Reviews of avast! Free Antivirus

1. 
   jetz

   Reviewing 5.0.396 (Feb 4, 2010)

   V5 is great! Memory and resource usage is very low. Impressive! Been using avast for year absolutely problem free on all my pc's.
2. 
   pdail

   Reviewing 5.0.393 Beta (Jan 28, 2010)

   Very nicely done. A much improvement. I look forward to trying this out.
3. 
   Joseph A

   Reviewing 5.0.393 Beta (Jan 27, 2010)

   EDIT: Feb. 1, 2010
   
   There is a new final avast! 5 version, namely 5.0.396, that fixes the issues reported for the 5.0.377 (final) and 5.0.393 (pre-release) versions. Most importantly, the intermittent system crashes (BSODs) seem to have been solved.
   
   Tthis version is available as an internal update for the previous final version (5.0.377) and also as an independent download in the publisher's link, http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download or in http://download.cnet.com...10019223.html?tag=mncol and
   http://www.softpedia.com...vast-Home-Edition.shtml.
   
   I repeat here that the name of the program is now "avast! Free Antivirus".
4. 
   butthead

   Reviewing 5.0.393 Beta (Jan 27, 2010)

   Unfortunately the final version turned out to be a performance hog on my not so slow system (intel P8600/4GB ram), Avast 4 was running fine, while the new version slowed down my overall system performance. Now test-running MS security essentials, so far so good.
5. 
   Joseph A

   Reviewing 5.0.366 Beta (Jan 22, 2010)

   Avast 5.0 final is available since January 19, 2010. It is now called "avast! Free Antivirus" and its version is 5.0.377. It is available at
   
   http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
   
   I have submitted the new version to Fileforum on January 20, but for some reason it was not included in Fileforum's collection so far.
6. 
   grinch89

   Reviewing 5.0.366 Beta (Jan 22, 2010)

   Overall I am satisfied with the performance, but one problem has appeared, there seems to be a conflict with Malwarebytes Anti-malware that was not there with 4.8. I had to turn off MB as any time I tried to close a full screen app it froze my computer,once MB was turned off the problem vanished.
7. 
   rtwnt

   Reviewing 5.0.363 Beta (Jan 15, 2010)

   This is a tough one. first, AV tested the Pro version and not the Home version. In their latest test (Nov.2009), here is the breakdown on detection rate:
   Avira- 74%
   Microsoft-56%
   Avast-53%
   BitDefender- 53%
   Where Avira loses and Avast gains ( along with Microsoft and Bitdefender) is in false positives). What score you give in this area is somewhat subjective but looks what happens when you use AV's approach:
   Avast, Microsoft, and Bitdefender all get 3 stars or Advanced+
   Avira gets only 2 stars or Advanced
   Now lets be serious- does anyone really think that Microsoft and Bitdefender rate an Advanced+?
   So choose your poison.
   All information taken from Av site form their Feb.,2009 test
8. 
   elitegangsta

   Reviewing 5.0.363 Beta (Jan 15, 2010)

   Runs nice and clean
   Good Detection Rating
   Updates Often
   Doesn't Hog Resources
   Worst Interface I've seen in a program with otherwise excellent features.
9. 
   catchpole

   Reviewing 5.0.363 Beta (Jan 15, 2010)

   ah, bitter "emanresU deriseD", as usual. oh well
   
   @ "some guy"...betanews....does that ring any bell to you???
10. 
    WhiteZero

    Reviewing 5.0.363 Beta (Jan 14, 2010)

    @emanresU, your thinking of the old Avast, 5 is nothing like that.
    @Astro-SII, actually, Avira gets way more false positives according to Av-Comparatives.org
11. 
    emanresU deriseD

    Reviewing 5.0.363 Beta (Jan 14, 2010)

    This piece of crap is overrated, of course just because it's free. A skinned antimalware application? First clue that it's garbage. This retarded waste of bytes kills performance and has a terrible, convoluted GUI, falls short in detection.
12. 
    Astro-SII

    Reviewing 5.0.326 Beta (Jan 2, 2010)

    trying to update to the lastest beta build and it won't let me, says my registration expired in 1969 ! yet there is no way to register avast 5 beta....
13. 
    Assirius

    Reviewing 5.0.326 Beta (Jan 1, 2010)

    Too hog , not user-friendly interface , a lot of false positives results ,
    avira is still much better
14. 
    JethroB

    Reviewing 5.0.326 Beta (Dec 29, 2009)

    I was using version 4.x until I noticed that the web scan module was using a lot of memory. Despite many messages in the user forum here: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=50896.0 staff never provided a solution or even a comment.
    
    On the basis of lack of support, I removed avast! and installed AVG-free. Too bad, because for the most part, it is a good AV program.
15. 
    aruprc

    Reviewing 5.0.239 Beta (Nov 29, 2009)

    A very decent full fledged contender to free Avira and even good in paid department. It doesn't have Avira's detection rate but few matches that. In overall terms a very well rounded product and version 5 holds lots of promise.
16. 
    elkal000

    Reviewing 5.0.239 Beta (Nov 19, 2009)

    Worked fine so far, not too demanding in terms of ram and cpu, overall a good anti-virus.
17. 
    radiomaffia

    Reviewing 5.0.188 Beta (Oct 24, 2009)

    Dont get mislead by this skin, it isn't even the skin that you will see after installing the software of avast! Recommended for newbies that don't want to pay for antivirus software and want a reasonable protection, well this the one!! Get it, its free and in : About Avast.. you can send in for a new yearkey after 365 days.
    Comparing to Avira that is only 1 computer on ip for personal free use avast! can run on every pc on 1 ipadres, that is something to remind you when you are choosing! The only thing that is annoying me is that it's blocks downloading rar/zip files with a virus like crack.exe when I can make myself the right decission not to open that .exe file. Avira doesn't block downloading and isn't looking into those specific rar/zip files.
18. 
    ballyhairs

    Reviewing 5.0.188 Beta (Oct 24, 2009)

    NOD32 is 100 star
19. 
    CyberDoc999

    Reviewing 5.0.188 Beta (Oct 24, 2009)

    I agree AntiVir is a 5 and avast is a 1 star
20. 
    thartist

    Reviewing 5.0.167 Beta (Oct 15, 2009)

    I just hope that besides the really important improvements, it gets a decent skin and doesn't ask for money for it.
21. 
    Sativarg

    Reviewing 5.0.167 Beta (Oct 15, 2009)

    Might it be better to link to New beta refresh 5.0.167 as a home page for this reliece
    
    

    [Incomplete] change log:
    
    - improvements in the Explorer right-click scan
    - improvements in the localizations (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Russian and Chinese localizations should now be complete)
    - Add and Submit commands in the virus chest now working
    - fixed a few memory leaks in the GUI process
    - boot-time scan logs now in the Scan logs folder (this feature is still unfinished)
    - added controls for actions on infected files inside archives
    - fixed the Block command in the Ask dialog
    - improvements in the silent installer
    - the program is now working under Windows 2000 (SP4 or higher)
    

    
    
    WOW very nice interface and extensive activity information with a graph of shield traffic for each separate component and history graphs by http://www.amcharts.com/. The user may chose simple controls and settings or expert level interaction. The interface default is quite nice. I have not tried any skins yet. I don't usually use them.
    OK UPDATE
    ::::::::::::::Start quote:::::::::::::::::::::
    Tech
    avast! translator
    avast! Technical
    ******
    Re: Avast! Skin Tutorial not downloadable
    « Reply #8 on: August 19, 2009, 09:17:46 PM »
    
    Sorry to say... but avast 5 won't be skinable and your skin couldn't be used with it...
    avast 4, otherwise, will be available to update for more one year.
    ::::::::::::::::end quote:::::::::::::::::::::
22. 
    1uk3

    Reviewing 5.0.104 Beta (Sep 9, 2009)

    At home I have 3 PC's and a server.
    
    Of the 3 PC's, 1 has been running Avast! and the other 2 Avira AntiVir. The onlt computer that has become infected with viruses and damage caused over the past 2 years is the PC running Avast! Avira AntiVir has always caught everything before any damage has been caused, Avast! hasn't.
    
    Now all 3 PC's are running Avira AntiVir and I feel much safer.
    
    Avast! is the next best (free) thing compared to AntiVir though IMHO.
    
    If I was purchasing an Anti Virus program, it wouldn't appear on my list of considerations though.
23. 
    Betachecker

    Reviewing 5.0.89 Beta (Aug 29, 2009)

    IMAO: Avast is the BEST but I´ll stay with 4.8 version util I see better reviews
24. 
    Epsi

    Reviewing 5.0.89 Beta (Aug 28, 2009)

    Recently bought a 2 year license for Avast Pro, it doesn't nag at you, it has that dos scan mode, don't know how use full it is, but sure looks nerdy, and to top it off, each module can b configured separately. All in all I'm a very happy customer.
    
    Just hope they dont screw up with avast 5. like AVG went to s*** with v8
25. 
    madcats

    Reviewing 5.0.70 Beta (Aug 22, 2009)

    i use Avast Pro 4.8.1351on several PC's. FileForum only lists the earlier 4.8.1201 release.. Go to Avast.com to get the latest Pro release. Also stick to Home (Free) Version 4.8.1351B They were release August 20 2009 and avoid the 5.0 Beta.
    
    I download alot and get many weird Emails; Avast Free & Pro have always guarded my machines for 5 years without problems. Note: Fileforum only lists the 5.0 Beta.
26. 
    khagaroth

    Reviewing 5.0.70 Beta (Aug 21, 2009)

    Re 5.0.70:
    
    This is a very early beta and it doesn't have full functionality yet, it actually doesn't even have full virus definition database.
    
    Limitations and bugs:
    This first beta still has some limitations/bugs/problems. To name the most important ones:
    
    1. it currently doesn't contain the most up-to-date defs. That is, part of the defs are somewhat outdated as we're still making changes to the infrastructure. Hence, it is not recommended to use this beta as a tool to protect your system. Also, it is probably too early to do any detection tests at this time.
    
    2. the Behavior Shield is not yet fully connected (has very limited functionality at the moment - is just a skeleton, really)
    
    3. the antirootkit component is not connected
    
    4. there is no licensing component in this version; i.e., no registration, no activation... however, there's a hard-wired time bomb that will disable the program in about 2 months (there will be multiple beta refreshes before that happens, and hopefully even the final product)
    
    5. the sounds are missing. We plan to have sounds in the final product (and later betas) but they're not there now.
    
    6. the design will likely change a little bit still... some of the corners will be rounded etc...
    
    7. some of the Web Shield settings are missing
    
    8. some of the Shield settings actually require the Shield to be restarted to become effective (Actions, Alerts, Report file, Packers, ...)
    
    9. the GUI sometimes doesn't get refreshed automatically (i.e. you change something via the tray icon, and the main dialog doesn't update itself to reflect that change)
    
    10. the iNews, Community and Event log pages are just placeholders atm
    
    11. the Scan Result window still needs some changes
    
    12. the built-in program updater doesn't ask for a reboot when it's done (even if it's necessary in order to apply the new update). Also, the update, when initiated from the main UI, may end up in an unexpected state. As an alternative, we recommend using the updater in Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs -> avast! Free Antivirus -> Change/Remove -> Update.
    
    13. context-menu scan in Explorer doesn't work.
27. 
    bokhylla

    Reviewing 4.8.1335 (May 12, 2009)

    "The best there is and now also equipped with heuristics"
    
    Do not use Kaspersky, Norton, Nod 32, Bitdefender, AVG etc. use Avast and you will have a pc that is malware free and a program which is reliable and just works. The program has a lot of features which many other lacks, features which are essential in the fight against malware. I have been in contact with the company behind Avast named Alwil and they have informed me that since version 4.8 Avast is equipped with heuristics. They are planning to announce this together with other new features related to heuristics in the third quarter of 2009.
    
    Avast is a protective fortress with all its shields and will protect your pc against viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits and other malware. I have used Avast for nearly four years in different computers and it always work reliably and have kept them free from viruses.
    
    Avast has a lot of cool skins to choose from. It is not a dull anti-virus program like the rest.
    
    It is also free!
    
    Note: Equipped with heuristic means that the program has a capability to catch unknown viruses.
    
    Björn Lundahl
    Gothenburg, Sweden
28. 
    Jtaylor83

    Reviewing 4.8.1335 (May 8, 2009)

    It's a good AV. Although, it will slow your PC (as other reviews below me giving poor criticism on this product) for a short time while avast! updates it's database everyday, it's not resource hog like Symantec and it's less expensive than McAfee. This AV is a bit more accurate against viruses, trojans, adware, spyware and rootkits.
29. 
    Morningdove

    Reviewing 4.8.1335 (Feb 6, 2009)

    For the record, the 3 ghastly creations shown above are not the Avast GUI. They are supplementary skins should anyone (ugh!) want to use one of them.
    
    Avast is a fairly decent program, but COMODO did find a couple of nasties Avast was ignoring, and startup is slightly slower with Avast. On the other hand Avast ignored 15 NirSoft false positive files that COMODO identified as viruses. Also, Avast does not interfere with defragging as does COMODO, and the animated tray icon is a nice touch. Avast does put a noticable drag on the system when installing it's AV updates, but only for a few seconds. I notice no delay when using Avast real time scanning and have never personally had an issue installing software.
30. 
    myboy

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Dec 31, 2008)

    What the heck happened? The program used to be so good -- speedy and stable. Now, they fixed the long boot up times (not really, I just unchecked a bunch of stuff); however, they've added in system freezes for good measure. I kept wondering why my system would seemingly kick the bucket while installing drivers or software. It was avast. Once uninstalled, system stability returned to normal.
    
    Alas, I have to use AVG as a result.
31. 
    jungle!

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Dec 24, 2008)

    I cannot see why this AV is so popular at all. It scans every file on your system and slows everything down to a snail's pace. Launching browser, text editor, etc, takes forever. Useless to me.
32. 
    psycros

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Dec 2, 2008)

    (..and thats a HIGH 4, btw. I only reserve a 5 for apps that I believe to be as perfect as the current technology allows.) Avast is missing one feature common to other AVs that I would sorely love to see added: a list of common file types to exclude from scanning. Every single filemask you want the scanner to ignore must be manually entered. Its not simply Avast defaulting to a "scan everything" behavior - there is literally NO list of exclusions except the one that you create. I would also like to have some clarification of just how well Avast handles adware and typical pseudo-virus programs..this really isn't addressed in their advertising, help files or other documentation that I've seen.
33. 
    ubermann

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Dec 1, 2008)

    Using several slow computers lately (P3 450 to P4 1.4ghz) i have to say this takes almost no cpu power compared to all others.
    Finds all virus i have been stupid to download and have no problem at all with it.
    Awesome!
34. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 30, 2008)

    pollok2
    take your wanna be warez site else where
35. 
    eaves

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 29, 2008)

    I've been using Avast! for years. Each release gets incrementally better without adding bloat. Solid, reliable product.
    
    Goatone's comment sounds more like sour grapes than anything else. If he is so happy with Norton/Symantec, then why is he looking at Avast?
36. 
    radiomaffia

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 28, 2008)

    The best free virusscanner in the world today is Avast, leaving Avira and AVG behind, one the main reasons is that has a clear interface and it is looking into pakked files. Norton 2006 has pusched a lot of his users away in 2006 cause it was using to much cpu and finally all other virusscanners gotta a chance to prove them selves and showed all of you that there is more then Norton on the horizon to discover, also for me counts : no more mr.Norton!
37. 
    Jegar48

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 28, 2008)

    Let me see if I understand goatone. You use Norton but you are saying Avast only rates a 2. This of course after telling everyone to rate what we use? Hypocrisy knows no bounds with you I guess. I use this and I wouldn't touch Norton, Everyone I know who has it gets rid of it as soon as their subscription has expired.
38. 
    DataBitz

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 28, 2008)

    Version 4.8.1296
    November 26, 2008
    minor improvements in some unpackers
    improvements in the false positive submission system
    speed optimization in kernel-mode components
    XML scan reports now generated in UTF-8 format (allow for non-Latin characters)
    http://avast.com/eng/ava...o-revision-history.html
39. 
    been

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 28, 2008)

    @Goatone:
    
    I have used a PC recently which had Norton installed. I saw little that would persuade me that the protection offered by Norton is significantly better than that provided by Avast. As others have commented, recent Avast releases give very good broad protection against all types of malicious code.
    
    It's absurd to say that 'you get what you pay for' in relation to this product. Avast has no monetary price but is of great of value to its users.
40. 
    catchpole

    Reviewing 4.8.1296 (Nov 28, 2008)

    i used to like AVG and hate Avast, now it goes other way.
41. 
    Goatone

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 19, 2008)

    Very good program but how many of you have used Norton in the last few years? Kick me each time I hear someone saying something about a product they have not used in years. Avast maybe good but Norton2009 on my computer catches more than Avast.. Faster to scan and doesn't use much resources as Avast and does the job faster.. Speak about what you use and not what you have not used in years.. I give it a 2 just because it's free and you get what you paid for..
42. 
    aruprc

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 19, 2008)

    This one has always been good and now its getting close to top notch and be a real contender, they have excellent rootkit detection as well as good spyware detection and now the network module features malware link blocker, what more can one ask for and that too all free.
43. 
    AlphaBetaGamma

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 19, 2008)

    They have now updated this to version 4.8.1290. It installs and runs fine in Vista x64, one of the few AVs to do so. I am using the Pro version.
    
    If you are reasonably careful in Vista and leave UAC enabled, you really don't need an AV at all for your own protection, but since I sometimes receive .doc files by email I like to check them just to make sure nothing bad gets passed along to anyone else. But I see very little CPU usage by avast!, and it uses relatively little memory for an AV (I have 8 GB anyway), so why not?
44. 
    aszure

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 19, 2008)

    This is my main AV, and has been for a couple of years. If you turn on all the protection, it does bog your system down a bit. But I usually leave it at the middle of the road setting, and it works just fine. However, make sure that you turn the audio notifications off, or you will hear "Your antivirus has been updated" at 5 AM. It kinda freaked me about a bit. Great product tho. And well featured for it being free.
45. 
    ltsnow

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 19, 2008)

    Now it's 4.8.1290. This is the best AV bar none.
46. 
    pixturesk

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 18, 2008)

    Simply the best. I am a non-techie so I require something I can trust. A thorough scan on my computer takes about 21/2 hours, I just let it run, worth the wait to know that my computer is virus free. Also, the email scanner is first rate. In comparison to Norton, the bloat is almost non-existent.
47. 
    dogbert0360

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 18, 2008)

    Excellent performance. Won't use anything else...and along with "ThreatFire" it makes it a system hardener!
48. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 18, 2008)

    personally this runs to many Process in the back ground kinda brought a Norton flash back "shrug"
    but I would give it a 7 out of 10
    based on speed and detection rate and resource usage.
49. 
    radiomaffia

    Reviewing 4.8.1287 (Nov 18, 2008)

    This virusscanner rocks and it is free! Dont let yourselves mislead by the thumbnail, that is a picture from the past now..
    Virusses just get no chance to infact your system, it wil look into zips&rars also for infections ! For 60 days works without registration and before that is ending your have to registrate and get your free 1 year key by email year after year.. Want a free virusscanner that you can trust? Choose Avast! 5 Stars + 1!
50. 
    Zankur

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 15, 2008)

    I can't understand what this joke of a comment has been written by"CyberDoc999 "
    do you understand the meaning of bloatware??...kindly get hold of a dictionary.....
    
    As for this software....its great..........light on system.hardly any bugs................great protection...
51. 
    CyberDoc999

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 13, 2008)

    this is bloated and slow
    AntiVir is still the best!
52. 
    Ain Soph Aur

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 13, 2008)

    for me the best scanner in the world!
53. 
    Wyojake

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 13, 2008)

    Can't believe anyone would be ignorant enough to give this a bad rating of any kind. Recommended to all.
54. 
    DKDude

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 12, 2008)

    Avast rocks.
    
    Keep up the good work.
55. 
    argybee

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 12, 2008)

    IF there is a performance hit from this product then it is minimal compared to most(all?) others. One of the nice things is that it's so simple to switch any or all 'providers' on or off via the tray menu which actually regains memory.
    
    Every 6 months or so I 'do the rounds' on AV products testing all I can get my hands on and for the past 8 years I have always come back to this.
    
    Absolutely the best.
56. 
    mrainey

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 12, 2008)

    I have relied on the free version of avast! for five years or so, and during that time have installed and configured it on a bunch of different computers. I have nothing but good things to say - no installation or compatibility problems, no noticeable slowdowns. I have never been victimized by a virus. Updates are available almost every day, and don't take very long to install.
    
    What's not to like?
57. 
    Undesired Username

    Reviewing 4.8.1282 (Nov 12, 2008)

    Better than AVG (what isn't?), but the performance hit still makes it beneath me. Still, a decent choice if you're poor.
58. 
    BillyBeta

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Oct 29, 2008)

    DOES NOT WORK ON WINDOWS SERVER 2003.
    BetaNews needs to update their product description.
    
    Past that, it's a near perfect product.
59. 
    andrewbmoore

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Oct 23, 2008)

    I install this on EVERY family/friends computer that I fix for viruses and/or performance problems (usually due to Norton360). It's free, it's fast, and it maintains (ie. updates) itself with no intervention from me (nice, since I don't need to help people with updates). The best part is, I have yet to receive a later distress call from any of these people due to a new infection. To all computer gurus who fix computers, I highly recommend you look into adding this software to your tool kit!
60. 
    Alexander-GG

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Oct 2, 2008)

    Increases boot time, increases system load time, slows down programs, slows down opening of windows, makes web browsing really unbearable, slows down even the world spin. Checks everything what opens and moves. I have a suspect that it checks mouse movement too.
    
    Otherwise, good complex solution, has no nag screen and free version is almost the same as commercial version.
61. 
    irv4oh

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Sep 1, 2008)

    PROS: Impact on system performance is much improved over the earlier version I last tried: I haven't noticed any impact on system performance.* Web Shield does not slow down browsing, nor does Network Shield. Scanning within archives allows for scanning within many types of file containers, such as 7z and MSI. Update check is frequent (by default, 3 hours). Screensaver module is useful and highly customizable; can be combined with similar screensaver utilities such as JkDefrag. Spyware protection is integrated, and Web Shield provides additional protection for downloading. Scanning for rootkits is part of standard scan.
    
    CONS: *I chose to tweak many of the settings: turning off scanning memory during startup, disabling skins, deselecting some Shield modules from install, disabling Standard Shield from scanning applications and DLL's on load, removing update and VRDB notifications, disabling tray icon animation, disabling sound effects, and combining the VRDB and main icons. Seems to not include behavior-based protection, but Avast plays well with Threatfire. Avast has no scheduled scanning (except screensaver module), but Threatfire does.
    
    Bottom Line: After tweaking settings for performance and to reduce annoyances, I'm very pleased with Avast, especially in conjunction with Threatfire.
62. 
    buggedbyav

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Aug 9, 2008)

    I just signed up only put in my review of Avast 4.8. I downloaded and installed it about month and half ago. I was using AVG 8 but found it slowed my PC (it's a six year old clunker with 500 MB RAM - 20 MB dedicated to video. It runs Windows XP ser. pack 2 - totally up-to-date. All this is within sys. reqs. I Can't afford a new'un right - so this has to do.) Anyway AVG slowed the machine down something awful. So I heard "Avast is great! Try it you'll like it!"
    
    Well like the old Alka-Seltzer commercial said: "So, I tried it. I didn't like it".
    
    The main problem is that Avast, unlike AVG, scans everything that runs - every time it runs. Many times I had to disable the scanning feature just to get my major apps (word processing, database and browser - FireFox 3.0) to start in a reasonable amount of time.
    
    Yes, I tried to fiddle with its configs. There is a place to disable this continuous scanning feature in the config GUI, but it never seemed to work. Usually, I was forced it to stop from the tray icon.
    
    That scanning feature in Avast on this old clunker made AVG look the rabbit from the old fable.
    
    I will say Avast installed seamlessly - but installation is not use. Protection I need but not at the expense of all the resources Avast uses.
    
    Maybe when I can afford to upgrade to a dual-core with 4 GB RAM I'll try again, but for now I'm headin' back to AVG - better to be slooooow than totally stopped. Besides, I've used AVG's previous iterations and know what to expect from Grisoft.
63. 
    iknowyouknow

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Jul 25, 2008)

    3 stars for the interface, I have tried many and all have there plus and minus. Avast I find slow, Kasperkey was good , I bought that and shortly after the company gave it away on a PC mag cover DVD... never again. Kasperkey also interfered with my firewall.. then there was NOD, was impressd with that, but it failed ot get all the VIr, then Zone alarm, again very good but misses Vir.. overall we need a complete soloution really, one thats effective and does trhe job properly.
    
    As for Norton, lol what a joke that is. Total pants:)
64. 
    zapatero

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Jul 24, 2008)

    I switched from Webroot Antivirus+antispyware because I did not like the interface, the modules were poorly integrated, some shields had to be disabled, and I missed a users forum. So far I have not found any problems with avast!. In real time I also use Webroot Firewall, ThreatFire and WinPatrol.
65. 
    ModderXManiac

    Reviewing 4.8.1229 (Jul 24, 2008)

    Version 4.8.1229
    July 23, 2008
    
    * Web Shield: solved compatibility problems with Opera browser
    * Web Shield: solved problems with some D-Link router devices
    
    It still causes boot hangs(VERY ANNOYING), and its detection rate is considerably lower than other free alternatives such as AVG and Antivir, nevertheless still a fair product for being free...I almost forgot, the GUI's are a joke.
    
    After reading over Antivir's effectiveness from several sources and seeing how far it has come since my last use of it(almost four years ago!) I've been converted back to its user base.
66. 
    robmanic44

    Reviewing 4.8.1227 (Jul 21, 2008)

    I switched from NOD32 to the pro version of Avast and have seen no degradation in performance at all. Some people want a hell of a lot for nada.
67. 
    Perezoso

    Reviewing 4.8.1227 (Jul 21, 2008)

    Changelog: http://www.avast.com/eng...o-revision-history.html
    Version 4.8.1227
    July 19, 2008
    * improvements in some unpackers (WinExec, SFX CAB, LHARC, ZOO)
    * check for critical system files is now performed even in the on-access scanner (as a prevention of false positives)
    * command line scanner (ashCmd.exe): fixed displaying of directory count
    * Windows Vista: during a scan of system drive, duplicate entries are now handled correctly (symlinks)
    * Explorer extension process (ashQuick.exe) now ends immediately after aborting a scan
    * fixed a bug in SMTP alerts (adding of random characters to the address)
    * verification of digital signatures now fixed even for the on-access scanner (Windows Vista and Windows XP x64)
    * fixed the setting to disable checking of infected files during on-demand scans
    * Enhanced UI: it is no longer possible to delete a default task by using the Delete key
    * solved a synchronization problem that could potentially lead even to a hang of an avast component (e.g. the Outlook plugin)
    * Windows Vista SP1: solved an issue in the kernel driver aswSP.sys (problems during system shutdown)
    * added a workaround to a compatibility problem with NComputing NCT
    * Standard Shield: improved handling of exceptions
    * improvements in the rootkit submission system
    * mail scanner: fixes in IMAP handler (Thunderbird)
68. 
    aruprc

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jul 5, 2008)

    Works nice and good, web scanner is the best out there, no impact on browsing. I am on XP64 and face no such issues of slow boot, high memory etc. In short it does its job well and quietly as well.
69. 
    TGB72

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jul 4, 2008)

    I use avast since v4.6 and never had problems, since v4.8 this AV became pure crap, it slows the boot, during the scan of disks takes 90% of CPU and 300MB of memory (unusable in old pcs) and report many false positives.
    Never had problems with the shields and to be honest doesn't sucks to much memory but now with this crap of v4.8 I begin to doubt about their effectiveness.
    Like somebody said before the only thing that run smooth is the definition update.
70. 
    Alexander-GG

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jul 4, 2008)

    I do agree with Haylo. There is really something wrong with this update. The boot time increased significantly. I have tarned off the root scan (silly fanction) at start up, but inspite of this it takes too long to load the system.
71. 
    normishmael

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jun 30, 2008)

    Not only detection rate counts?
    That is exactly right if you are a brain washed fanboy,or you just want to be able to say you have "a" anti-virus on your machine.
    My queston is why have all of these "shields" and "guards" if they are unable to DETECT what they are spposed to "shield" and "Guard" you from?
    
    Detection is not the only factor that is true.
    System Impact is important.
    what good is a clean computer if your anti-virus slows it down and degrades performance worse than most malware would?
    
    Avast has the detection of a blind dude in boxing gloves looking for a needle in a heystack.
    It slows surfing,eats memory,delays boot time time,its interface is designed to trip you out,the instructions are un-clear.
    
    One thing it does well is update.
    Although with this clunker it really does not matter.
    I know,I know,people are going to say:"I love avast! I have had it for five years and never had a virus!"
    if that is true,they can just uninstal Avast and save some CPU and memmory.
    It has not been Avast that has has kept them safe,it is either clean living or blind luck!
    
    Yes,the Avast guys are serious.Maybe they should even lighten up a little,something needs to change,their product is crap.
    but most serous of all is the legion of fanboys that forget we are talking about a bunch of "ones" and "zeros",not their family,religion,or country.
    That level of blind loyality to a piece of software is scary.
    
    "2" rather than "1" because it is 'a" anti-virus,just not a good one,and its free.
72. 
    DudeBoyz

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jun 26, 2008)

    A solid 4 for now - if 4.5 was an option, I'd give it that. But I just don't think it deserves a full 5 yet.
    
    Detection rate may not be as high as AntiVir, but like AVG, it does scan your email, which is to me at least, an important feature.
    
    The fact that you have to get a yearly registration code is a minor annoyance, in part because AVG does not require you to do so, however, since AVG 8 has turned into such a bloated pig of a program (when compared to AVG 7.5), I think I can overlook that issue.
    
    The simplified interface is sort of annoying too. I wish I did not have to pay to get a more grown-up looking interface. I do wish that by default, I could select NO SKIN and have it simply use the standard interface elements that are in the current theme.
    
    Also, the dialog that pops up when a suspicious file is found is not resizeable, so I cannot see the actual path AND file name it is flagging. If I click the MOVE/RENAME button, it turns out I can resize THAT one so I can stretch it wider and so that I can see the path and file name, but that inconsistency is a pain and one extra step that I am required to take but should not HAVE to take, you know?
    
    So, not perfect and sorta slow to scan, but pretty darn good overall.
73. 
    bokhylla

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (Jun 3, 2008)

    Not only the detection rate counts!
    
    According to AV- Comparatives Avast earned a advanced plus on demand detection of virus and malware in February 2008. That is a fine reward.
    
    But I do not think that this is the main rational argument for considering Avast. Some other anti-virus software scores in this regard even somewhat better.
    
    The main arguments for using Avast, apart of being free, is all its special features. What comparatives and Virus Bulletin does not consider are just those features and they are not either supposed to consider them. They consider mainly only two things and those are the detection rates and that the software does not make so called false positives. Those considerations are extremely important but, please, do not consider them as the whole truth but only a very important part of the whole truth.
    
    Also consider those very important features Avast has such as resident protection, P2P shields, web shield, boot time scan, virus chest (which protects in a vault, against malicious attacks, certain files which are very important for the operating system), network shield (a lightweight firewall) and other features.
    
    In other words, no good having a good detection rate if the software does not also have a good capability of detecting malware and not just in the laboratory, but also in the real practical world.
    
    Alwil is the company which makes Avast and Alwil is indeed a very serious company. It does not nag you with all sorts of ads asking you to buy, buy and buy. This makes a difference and actually tells you something. It tells you that they are serious. They make a software which is considered to protect you in the real world. They have seriously considered all those features when they made Avast.
    
    Apart of all this it is, as mentioned, a free software which also protects you from spyware and rootkits. It has a lot of skins to choose from which makes it in fact really special and attractive. Those properties are also very important.
    
    Bjorn Lundahl
    Gothenburg, Sweden
74. 
    Haylo

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (May 27, 2008)

    There is something seriously wrong with this update. For some reason, the boot time has been doubled, the system tray acts weird and loses the arrow as well as blocks some programs from loading at start up. After uninstalling avast, everything returned to normal which is a pity since the other versions were solid and worked well for me.
75. 
    anomoly

    Reviewing 4.8.1201 (May 16, 2008)

    Great program. However, I use agnitum outpost sec ste pro and I have to boot in safe mode to change the startup parameter of this AV prog so that I have an internet connection (at boot).
    Considering the extremely low # of viruses I am subjected to, I am forthwith switching back to clamwinav. At least it won't require a triple boot in safe mode after a full program update. I will also gain a performance improvement as well as free up system resources.
76. 
    TGB72

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 15, 2008)

    v4.7 was great, v.4.8 is a resource hog, it takes 98% of cpu & 270MB of RAM during the scan of drive C, just unacceptable.
77. 
    Tombpsyco

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 14, 2008)

    No AV deserves a Gold rating due to the simple fact, it is not possible to detect every virus out there. I've used most of the AVs available, free and paid. I switched from AVG Free to Avast Free because of various conflicts that AVG was having with Google and other software on my PC.
    
    I have yet to find any issues with Avast. I am trying to figure out why some people seem to think Avast is a resource hog, right now on my system it is using just over 8k of RAM total. Now if I was running a 386 with 8mb of RAM I would be worried, I not. AVG used about 15k to 20k, McAffe was in the 30k to 50k, Norton is the worst coming in at almost 100k.
    
    Until Avast causes any system problems I'll keep using it.
78. 
    radiomaffia

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    What can I say: Has everything under the sun! Very good if you a normal internetter and dont want to concern about your safety. Big chance it is in your own language and it has a good way informing and alarming you about new issuesses and your safety. But..on the other hand..If your are that guy(or girl) that want do some more then only be a "normal" internetter if youre are getting my drift, Avast can be a p*in in the *ss cause it is deciding for you and taking the control out of your hands in fact.Better to go for Avira Free Personal Edition then..you decide want kinda guy(or girl) you are. Remember that for both counts : Limited to 1 computer on 1 IP!(Single user license) Both rated 5*
    Ps. Forget AVG cause is taking too many memory,too many virusses slipping inside your pc and has a horrible interface
79. 
    gate1975mlm

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    @ osric Avast 5.0 will not use skins anymore :)
    
    Coming in the fall of 2008!
    
    Avast rules!!
80. 
    DKDude

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    I've used Avast for some years, and I'm happy with it, before Avast I had AVG installed, but after the switch I've never looked back.
    
    Keep up the good work!
81. 
    Dwarden

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    skins are part of interface since begining i see no point after 4 years of Avast 4 someone still mumble about it ? IMHO it shows only how that person is uniformed about what all Avast offer
    aka IF You dislike SKINs then JUST disable SKINNED UI and USE Simple UI
    btw. i can barely imagine simpler easier to use one than Avast! offer in that mode ...
    in short You cry on wrong grave ...
82. 
    osric

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    @Deedstyger
    I agree. The developers should focus on removing the bugs rather than focusing on skins. Anyways the skins can be disabled by unchecking "Enable skins for Simple User Interface" under the "Common" section in Program Settings.
83. 
    eaves

    Reviewing 4.8.1195 (May 13, 2008)

    I've been using Avast! for a couple of years. Each version offers more comprehensive protection without the increasing bloat that accompanies other anti-virus products. The addition of rootkit protection in the 4.8 series is excellent.
    
    Reliable, efficient, fast.
84. 
    Deedstyger

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (May 9, 2008)

    -skinned
    -system performance lost
    
    +?
    
    bakers make breads and antivirus makers skins?
85. 
    robmanic44

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Apr 16, 2008)

    Any program that allows me to use something other than Window Live OneCare or Symantec is great. Avast is a lifesaver.
86. 
    ShahinD

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Apr 12, 2008)

    very good
    free and detects most of viruses and spywares and does not slow down.
    just one problem, in some situation Antivirus service hangs on startup
87. 
    TGB72

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Apr 4, 2008)

    v4.8 crash on startup, no problems with v4.7.
    Best free AV by far anyway.
88. 
    SledgeDG

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Apr 1, 2008)

    I switched to AVAST from Kaspersky b/c of the significantly reduced load.
    I didn't regret that switch (yet? :D )
    
    Only reason I give it a 4:
    Webscanner has a tendency to blocked my i-net in the morning the last 2 days..after a reboot everything was just fine.
    
    -DG
89. 
    Pfurri

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Mar 31, 2008)

    Without a doubt and by far the best av-tool, and i tried all the others too ! "comeoffit" please omit your negative comment if you're not able to handle your mouse or computer ... !!!
90. 
    Straspey

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Mar 31, 2008)

    A couple of weeks ago my computer began hanging every time I booted up and finally I had to take it to my local PV repair shop. The techs there are excellent and have done very good work for me in the past.
    
    Anyway, when I went back to pick up the PC, the tech told me that my problem had been caused by my Norton Antivirus, which has essentially "broken" the machine.
    
    They fixed it by completely removing all traces of Norton, and installing Avast instead, which they told me was their preference. It's been working great so far, has already saved me from an online attack and I upgraded to this new version this morning.
    
    I rarely write reviews, but I have to say this is a very reliable antivirus program. And the price is right too. ;)
91. 
    eaves

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Mar 31, 2008)

    I've been using avast! for a couple of years at least. Before avast!, I tried Norton, AVG, trend-micro, and McAffee. By far, avast1 is the most efficient, with the least amount of load on the computer resources. I've never seen any of the mouse lag that another poster mentioned.
    
    Avast! just sits in the background and works.
92. 
    Hellcat_M

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Mar 31, 2008)

    Great free Anti-virus. I don't get any mouse lag, works great for me.
93. 
    comeoffit

    Reviewing 4.8.1169 (Mar 31, 2008)

    Unbearable to use as it causes constant mouse cursor lags.
94. 
    Dwarden

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Mar 30, 2008)

    Sammo it failed the test because of false positive ...
    it not missed any of the wildlist samples ...
    same goes for Avira ...considering the FP happens to EVERY AV/AT/AS/AR product on market i think the argument is quite moot
    ---
    for others the minimal skinless interface of Avast! is so simple it can't be simpler :)
95. 
    Qorx

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Jan 10, 2008)

    ???????
    PRO
    ???????
    Takes very very very VERY little resources and memory usage.
    ???????
    
    ???????
96. 
    freezy

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 20, 2007)

    The ONLY free anti-virus that protect your network,email,web browsing activities, from spyware inside innocent looking software, and simple but powerful behavior blocker. And, i never found other boot-time-scan solution, so this is definitely the best free antivirus.
97. 
    Sammo

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 13, 2007)

    AVG won the VB100 award for December 2007. Kaspersky, Antivir and Avast all failed the December VB100 test.
    
    http://www.virusbtn.com/...results.xml?vendor=VE10
    http://www.virusbtn.com/...ive/results?vendor=VE15
    http://www.virusbtn.com/...ive/results?vendor=VE37
    http://www.virusbtn.com/...hive/results?vendor=VE9
98. 
    christ999

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 5, 2007)

    Best Av app.
    
    Highly recommended
99. 
    khagaroth

    Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 5, 2007)

    @radiomaffia:
    What the hell are you talking about, it's Avira, that doesn't have email protection in the free version. Avast had email protection from the beginning. Also, Win95 look? You didn't even see it, right?
    
    I have read your post:
    

    
    Does this home edition ad an option to scan in/out goiing pop3 now? I know they didn't some time ago and you had to purchase to the professional edition.
    That is why I choose Avira Personal Classic Edition...
    

    
    
    As I wrote, Avast HOME always had POP3 protection, you didn't have to buy the Pro version to get it, so the part about choosing Avira because of this doesn't give any sense, especially when considering that Avira DOES NOT HAVE POP3 protection in the free version.
100. 
     radiomaffia

     Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 5, 2007)

     khagaroth, read your posting and it seems you have not read mine, I asked a question about Avast, did not said it did not have outgoing protection on pop3, but ok, have it your way, personal attacks is something I can handle!
     
     Does this home edition ad an option to scan in/out goiing pop3 now? I know they didn't some time ago and you had to purchase to the professional edition.
     That is why I choose Avira Personal Classic Edition (free also) and must say it Avira works almost as good as Kaspersky and the free edition from Kaspersky through AOL isn't available anymore.
     Also, Avast should take a look to that unprofessional design, that is so out of date and makes me think of W95 and earlier.
101. 
     marians

     Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 5, 2007)

     Excelent! I really hope they will keep developing it.
     And I also hope that the Linux version will come up to the performances of the Windows counterpart.
102. 
     _Shorty-dammit

     Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 5, 2007)

     Does the job, but it's anything but fast. If you have a directory full of a LOT of .exe files, such as a downloads/incoming directory, and you navigate to that in Explorer you can see just how much Avast slows that simple operation down. It's good software, and does its job, but it is most definitely SLOW. And I'm sorry to tell you, but any and all versions of NAV are much faster, not to mention have a more complete definitions database. Call it bloat all you like. It's still faster than Avast. But, Avast is free.
103. 
     pctech5189

     Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 4, 2007)

     keeps gettin faster and better this new version its faster it seems and updater is faster best antivirus i ever used no problems at all and runs good during certain tests.
104. 
     Death-Axe

     Reviewing 4.7.1098 (Dec 4, 2007)

     Been using this a few months now, it really is the best anti virus app out there. Better than AVG, and of course better than norton bloat 2xxx.
105. 
     xanderzone365

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 14, 2007)

     BEST ANTI-VIRUS IN FREEWARE!!
     
     The Web Shield function really works!
106. 
     fityma

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 12, 2007)

     I found Avast! after Norton 2006 annoyed me once too often. Norton slows everything to a crawl and I had to reinstall it three times in as many months due to problems updating the virus updates. Avast! is like a breath of fresh air - no nagging pop-ups the size of the US cluttering your screen, no noticeable slowing down of your computer and so far it seems on the ball when scanning/detecting viruses. Its being free is a bonus rather than a criterion for an important area such as virus protection, but why pay good money when you don't have to? Strongly recommended.
107. 
     xapaox

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 11, 2007)

     more then 6 months using it, nothig left to say but everything is ok on my pc since i installed avast!
     5 point well deserved
108. 
     borreo

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 7, 2007)

     Good level of protection, comes for free, not a resource hog, auto-updates itself seamlessly. If this is not a 5, nothing is.
     It only requires that you register for free on their website once a year.
109. 
     internetworld7

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     avast! is the only antivirus program that protects against viruses and spyware for free. It's lightweight and maintains a good detection rate.
110. 
     landfish

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     after downloading and installing this update from betanews I have the same version that I had before I started, doing the update through Avast itself brought it up to 4.7.1074.
111. 
     darkripper

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     Very good antivirus
112. 
     beezee

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     This is a typo, the latest version is still 4.7.1074, not 1044. However, there is a new update *fix* for those using Vista ONLY who are having an issue with Avast:
     
     http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=31314.0
     
     It's always a good idea to check with the vendor site before installing any updates.
113. 
     Joseph A

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     Version 4.7.1074 is the latest version, but there's is no need to download it. Just use the program's update in the tray icon right-click menu. It is much faster, since only the changed files will be downloaded and promptly installed. You can even automate the update process to detect automatically future new versions.
114. 
     kail

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     HE 4.7.1044? That's odd.. since HE 4.7.1074 is out & has been for a couple of weeks.
     
     BTW Excellent free AV.
115. 
     mfaccone

     Reviewing 4.7.1044 (Nov 6, 2007)

     Great program.. I dumped all virus scanners except this one.
     Problem.. this version says 4.7.1044 and I have 4.7.1074... which one is the newest?
116. 
     DACWILSOL

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Oct 6, 2007)

     Great anti-virus program, but it slowed IE7 to a snail's pace. Uninstalled it and installed AVG anti-virus. IE7 is blazing fast again.
117. 
     Nikkie

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 22, 2007)

     I have been running the free version for the day and i have to say it is light on resources but when you get infected, it all goes downhill..i've tried almost all of these scanners, from free to the security suites.
     
     through the day i've been using seamonkey browser with the adblock extension, have superantispyware and installed proximitron.right after i noticed some sluggish activity from the pc, i removed the scanner and installed zonealarm security suite 7.it is picking up 2 viruses right now...
     
     i'm not knocking the program, cause it does a lot for a free scanner but i just believe people should know its flaws as of now..
     
     ok, i just went through some scarey issue.i tried to uninstall this and it seemed to have gotten rid of most of the important parts but it didn't.i just went through freezes and an extremely slow system...
     
     i found the avast removal tool
     
     http://www.avast.com/eng...-uninstall-utility.html
     
     now everything is back to normal..
118. 
     some guy

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 7, 2007)

     nice free ware scored about the sane as AVG did in a test seen here
     http://www.av-comparativ.../ergebnisse_2007_08.php
119. 
     pola

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 7, 2007)

     its light weight and fantastic
     
     congratulations...........
120. 
     christ999

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 6, 2007)

     The best antivirus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     Home or Pro version this is the best av now!
121. 
     p3t3rb0na

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 6, 2007)

     Ummm... 60 day trial? Bonus of the Pro Version and then like magic reverts to the Completely freeware Version. High Quality Anti-Virus software first rate protection on many fronts.
     The very best AV software I have used.
     Highly Recommend
122. 
     xapaox

     Reviewing 4.7.1043 (Sep 6, 2007)

     my current AV program, i'm using it more than 9 months zero problems. it scan instant messaging, internet mail, network, outlook mail, P2P, web and pc events. You can configure each option as you like. I don't gonna change av program in short time at least :P
123. 
     Nikkie

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Sep 5, 2007)

     This with Superantispyware and dynamic security agent programs makes a great little free bundle..
     
     http://fileforum.betanew...ee_Edition/1142662646/1
     
     http://fileforum.betanew...rity_Agent/1150224527/1
124. 
     sacredsinpt

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Aug 31, 2007)

     I ve been using avast at 2 years and several times he rescued my computer.
     It scans all and doesnt miss a thing, memory, email, msn, internet , all is scanned.
     Sometimes the complete scan takes over 2 hours but that is my only con.
     interface is simple, pretty and you may choose many diferent skins.
     Im very glad with it.
125. 
     Pantagruel

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Aug 27, 2007)

     From the website:
     
     "To use the Home Edition, you should register it, however, after initial installation you have 60 days to trial the product (as with all avast! antivirus products) before you must complete registration. The registration process is very easy, and will take you only a couple of minutes."
     
     "...You will obtain your FREE license key by E-mail after the registration. The license key is valid for 1 year. After one year you will need to just re-register."
126. 
     markdw82

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Aug 26, 2007)

     Ummm...I thought this is supposed to be freeware, but it says there's only a 60 day trial?!
     
     That makes it lose 2 points...
127. 
     christ999

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Jul 31, 2007)

     the best antivirus now
128. 
     smarterthanyou

     Reviewing 4.7.1029 (Jul 30, 2007)

     Very good antivirus program. Unfortunately, the Avast e-mail virus scanner is a piece of crap. Every time it finds a possible indication of a virus it stops downloading e-mail and pops up a message requiring user input effectively preventing you from setting up your e-mail client to download e-mail unattended. Symantec's Norton Antivirus 2007 product doesn't do this.
     
     Also, even though Avast has excellent virus detection rates, it has very slow virus scanning performance and does a poor job repairing already infected files compared to Symantec Norton Antivirus 2007.
129. 
     danieljj78

     Reviewing 4.7.1001 (Jul 5, 2007)

     This should actually get better than a five! I've used tis for years and I've had no problems, It's hands down the best anti-virus app out there! free or not. It looks and feels awesome, Its super easy to use and it picks up on everything. It makes me feel pretty confident with all I do online or email or downloading stuff. Make sure You register and thats all.
130. 
     rruss

     Reviewing 4.7.1001 (Jun 14, 2007)

     Outstanding piece of software; don't get it because it's free, get it because it's so damn good! Updates quickly, even with dial-up, caught infection that Symantec did not, and even stops trojans.
131. 
     Howell

     Reviewing 4.7.1001 (May 3, 2007)

     Quite a good one (not the best) and free...
     
     Some false alerts make my rating lower than it should be...
132. 
     erolyavuz

     Reviewing 4.7.1001 (May 1, 2007)

     I like it (pro version)... It (pro version) is best for me.
133. 
     gate1975mlm

     Reviewing 4.7.1001 (May 1, 2007)

     Avast is the best! I have tried them all and always come back to Avast! I use the Pro version.
     
     Also now works great on Windows Vista! Looking forward to Avast 5.0!
134. 
     Cionno

     Reviewing 4.7.981 (Apr 17, 2007)

     if someone wants to have a comparison maybe should see http://www.av-comparativ...ergebnisse/report13.pdf
     
     and its clear that the best free av (for detection rates) is Active Virus Shield wich is build upon kaspersky detection engine and signatures avast is a good av and not crap as you avg supporters want to make us think
135. 
     DataBitz

     Reviewing 4.7.981 (Apr 17, 2007)

     Brilliant, prefer it to Symantec AntiVirus. Smaller memory footprint and works well with Windows Vista.
136. 
     Jegar48

     Reviewing 4.7.981 (Apr 16, 2007)

     The best free anti virus out there. Malmis, I have no issues with it on either Thunderbird or Firefox. The Web Shield and Internet Mail Shield work just fine with both programs.
137. 
     Malmis

     Reviewing 4.7.981 (Apr 16, 2007)

     What a messy, slow and bad program,.
     It sucks, AVG Free is the s***!
     
     edited:
     well, i take back the thing about mozilla support, but the program is still very messy and sloooow, very disturbing sounds and ugly skins, it has a ugly gui and is not so user friendly i think, and requires registration once a year, sucky..
     
     AVG Free and F-prot (dos) is the best free ones..
138. 
     robmanic44

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Feb 25, 2007)

     If you're going free, nothing else can touch this. ESET's NOD is the best and F-Prot is the fastest.
139. 
     ballyhairs

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Jan 17, 2007)

     Paid software antivirus: NOD32 then Kaspersky
     Free: Avast
140. 
     erolyavuz

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Jan 17, 2007)

     Someone says; Kaspersky is best, someone Nod32, someone Bitdefender... My best is AVAST!
141. 
     some guy

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Jan 16, 2007)

     for free-ware I give it a 5
     for the best free-ware Aol sheild witch is Kaspersky with a Aol stamp on it.I give it a 10
     for paid Kaspersky followed by NOD32.
     
     MY 2 CENTS
142. 
     idodialog

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Jan 16, 2007)

     I forget I have it - it politely reminds me by telling me that it has (automatically) updated its virus list or the program itself. I can't tell you how good it is at finding viruses but I've run other checkers and nothing was found.
     If that is true (I certainly never see a virus or a trojan!) then Avast is pretty well perfect!
     (Oh and a relatively OK memory footprint too)
143. 
     godzila

     Reviewing 4.7.942 (Jan 16, 2007)

     best av software
144. 
     nefarious1

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     According to AV-Comparatives.org, avast! does not fare particularly well at detecting trojans or "other malware" (whatever that is). Overall, though, it does very well. It does a good job of staying out of your face, and is a much better solution than other freeware AV solutions I know of.
     
     I would not say that avast! was among the "top 3, free or otherwise". Top 10, though, yes.
     
     People are simply biased in favor of avast! because it's free. Proof? The free version has fewer features than the for-pay version, yet is rated more highly.
145. 
     landfish

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     Excellent AV program, one of the best out there, the only difference is the others of this quality aren't free.
146. 
     siryak

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     Best free AV out there.
     
     @Comet Bay it is free they just want you to register it. The registration for it is free though.
147. 
     eaves

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     Best AV solution I have used. I have been running Avast for over two years, and have installed it on four friends/family PCs. All have used the free version, and have not had any trouble with the free version.
     
     I cannot comment on how good Avast is at removing malware infections because I run Avast's real-time scanner, so it catches and quarantines the malware before it has a chance to install itself.
     
     I can say, however, that Avast is excellent at the real-time detection of malware.
148. 
     Jordanr05

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     Note: this build has an issue with the password system. Avast has released a newer build now - 4.7.938.
     
     Still the best free A/V out there.
149. 
     daver18qc

     Reviewing 4.7.936 (Jan 15, 2007)

     @CometBaby : You have to register for a FREE account and enter the serial number they email you in order to have it FREE FOREVER.
     
     I repair lots of computers for family and friends and others, and i always install Avast, simply the best there is currently !
150. 
     CometBaby

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Jan 15, 2007)

     I honestly didn't have AVAST long enough to critique it because they apparently have no intention of actually providing a FREE account.
     
     The first time I tried to do a full system scan they changed my free account over to the trial period of a Pro account, complete with nags.
     
     When this happened I deleted it and went back to AVG.
151. 
     kaustubh4evr

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Jan 7, 2007)

     The best desktop Anti-Virus Solution for Home user's in Freeware section.This Software when installed first time shall ask u to do a Boot-Time scan no Anti-Virus ask's u for this type of scan.It has an easy Interface.It has the best resident monitor program.It check the pop3 mail,the current process u open,games,p2p etc.Its update R relased Day-Day.The update time is all so small Not like other software which take hour's to update or give a failure message.It also has a good way of notificating user's that u r being attacked by a virus,adware,spyware.And always ask for steps to be done.It has also creates a database for back-up of files which can be recovered.
     If u have a lower config PC it can cause a load on ur PC.But for the best u have to adjust a little.
     My recommendation every desktop user for Home PC's should use this Anti-Virus solution.
152. 
     THE REAL TAO

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Dec 7, 2006)

     AVAST IS A DECENT AV,THE PROBLEM IS ITS ABILLITY TO REMOVE DETECTED MALWARE -BASICALLY IT FAILS TO REMOVE AT LEAST 50 % OF WHAT IT DETECTS THUS MAKEING IT NOT SO GOOD.
     AN ANTI VIRUS THAT ONLY DETECTS BUT CANNOT REMOVE IS OF LITTLE USE TO ME,DONT GET ME WRONG IT CAN REMOVE SOME STUFF BUT MANY TROJANS/VIRUS/WORMS WILL JUST CORRUPT AVASTS CORE FILES RENDERING THE SOFTWARE NEAR USELESS.
     THE VERDICT=ITS MUCH BETTER THAN AVG BUT IM STICKING WITH THE FREE VERSION OF KASPERSKY AVAILABLE FROM FREE.AOL.COM NAMED AOL ANTIVIRUS SHEILD.
153. 
     TGB72

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Dec 2, 2006)

     Avast is a very good free antivirus: probably the heuristic is not the best but definitively is there and avast not depends only of his database to detect crap. Otherwise the virus database is updated almost every day. About the slowdown is relative, if you've a 1Ghz/512MB PC or better probably you won't see any slowdown, you could see it if you run it in very old pcs.
     Last but not least keep in mind that the fact that you keep clean your system is a 50/50, the 50% that belong to the system itself is over the shoulders of your firewall (by hard & soft), antivirus and anti-spyware, the other 50% depends on you and your habits on internet, email, soft installation and pc maintenance & configuration.
     You've more probabilities to get some virus/trojan/malware if:
     
     * You don't use a good firewall well setted (first block all, then allow only what is necesary it's a good idea)
     * You use crapy browsers like IE and to navigate through "insecure places" catching all class of crap.
     * You don't update your antivirus & anti-spyware often
     * You don't update your system with the latest SP & patches
     * You don't filter your mail
     * You've running unnecessary services
     * You accustom to install unnecessary soft just for curiosity
     
     If you don't take care of your system doing your 50% there is no way that Saint Kaspersky or Saint NOD32 do it for you.
     Otherwise don't pay attention to not objective/unfairly/bad intentioned reviews. Like I said Avast is a great antivirus and probably the best free one.
154. 
     uberfly

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Nov 21, 2006)

     It of course depends on your system, but Nod203 is correct on the point of it being fairly heavy and a slowdown to the system (mine at least). It's still a dang nice antivirus (free of not) but be prepared for some noticeable slowdown if you're putting it on an old(ish) system.
155. 
     GimieGimieGimie

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Nov 5, 2006)

     Not to sound too negitive but Nod203 you must be on crack because your review has got the be the most inaccurate review EVER.
     
     People don't listen to this jerk!
156. 
     Nod203

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Oct 15, 2006)

     Avast is a slow antivirus, resource hog, get away from it!!!
     
     Slow scanning speed, slows down computer performance, slow response to the new threats.
     
     Avast has no outstanding detection technologies but Avast is so slower and uses more and more resource than top antivirus such as Kaspersky, NOD32, Antivir, why?. Avast has no heuristics, it simply relies on its virus database which so slow for adding new threats, so what you can expect from Avast.
     
     I hope Avast developers should focus on improving Avast's detection capabilities and reduce resource consuming rather than adding useless features.
     
     If you want high quality free antivirus, Get Active Virus Shield (powered by Kaspersky engine), AntiVir or AVG instead of Avast if you want to be well protected.
157. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     I've replaced AVG with Avast on many systems, and it's found many virii that AVG didn't. Novice users need the best they can afford, or are willing to pay for. Fortunately this is free and among the top two or three AV programs available.
158. 
     JEdwardP

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     Avast is good, and as of this version, much improved over the last time I tried it, but I still prefer AVG.
     
     While the Avast installer is smaller than AVG's, its installed size is larger, even after a custom install that left out skins and real-time modules. I also find Avast's default settings annoying.
     
     Yes, its record of detection may be a bit better than that of AVG, depending on whom you ask or what you read, but for a low-risk system like mine, I still think AVG is a slightly better choice.
159. 
     Viajante

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     Just getting better and better in protection and still very light.
     I´m using Avast for about 4 years and for now i´m not going to change.
     For a free antivirus it´s better then some that are payed.
160. 
     QBgreen

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     This AV's detection rates have improved quite nicely. This along with AntiVir are the two best free AVs, IMHO. I'm not counting the Kasperksy/AOL offering because of the heinous and well documented business practices of AOL.
161. 
     ballyhairs

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     Its good among the free AV programmes... but nothing comes close to NOD32, that one rules
162. 
     Niksa

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     I'm system builder and I install this AV to all PC I sell. I have to say that Avast is far better than most commercial products that are available. I recomend it
163. 
     Ian C.

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     Been replacing Norton and McAfee products on peoples machines with this product for quite a while now.
     
     I don't understand the people who complain about having to renew your license every year for free, when you have to renew every year with Norton and McAfee also, accept it's not free.
     
     UPDATE: Bumped my review from 5 down to 4 because I came across a system with viruses that avast didn't detect. Had to use AVG to clean it up.
164. 
     aruprc

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 26, 2006)

     Works nicely with my 64bit XP as well, can't thank Avast enough.
165. 
     doctorsmith

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 25, 2006)

     I've been using Avast for a couple of years now and it has never let me down, I wish the same could be said for some of the other AV apps I've used in the past and spent good money on.
166. 
     photonboy

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 25, 2006)

     Don't forget to Register to bump time limit from 60 days to 12 months.
     
     Working flawlessly in Vista RC1 build 5600.
167. 
     Jordanr05

     Reviewing 4.7.892 (Sep 25, 2006)

     I've had nothing but success with this AV - especially considering that it's freeware. Now that it works with my Vista RC1 build I feel so much safer (ironic hey).
     
     Good work Avast! Team.
168. 
     Smoothie

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Sep 12, 2006)

     Have used several of the most highly regarded antivirus apps in the past - NOD32, Kaspersky, etc. - and find Avast! to be a perfectly adequate alternative to commercial programs.
     
     Particularly impressive is the startup & performance times of Avast, which seems far lighter on resources than others (particularly Kaspersky, which slowed my computer noticeably).
     
     Cracking product, much appreciated & recommended to friends and colleagues.
     
     Oh, and be sure to download the beautiful Vista-style skin for Avast. It looks a hell of a lot better than the default one (which is functional, but hardly eyecandy). Available from:
     http://www.avast.com/eng/avist-avast-skin.html
     
     Thanks again to the team behind this app for a brilliant product.
169. 
     bokhylla

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Sep 8, 2006)

     Avast! Home Edition is really a very good antivirus software. While using Avast for a year, I think, I have regulary scanned my pc with other anti virus software like Symantec , BitDefender Standard, ZoneAlarm Antivirus and so on, but they never founded any virus. With my firewall on and with this software activated, I do believe that I have a good defence against viruses. Light on resources! Avast is never dull, the interface is cool and it is free!
     Björn Lundahl
     Göteborg Sweden
170. 
     futra

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 26, 2006)

     im very satisfied with this software, it actually does detect harmful viruses and spywares that usually other av programs cant! for example: while others cant seem to clean or repair brontox worms, avast did it like a champ.. thru its boot scan (before windows is loading!) and im impressed with its autoupdate features too, very user friendly.. awesome av!
171. 
     Vimes

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 10, 2006)

     One of THE best AV's just continues to get better. It is difficult to justify anything other than this for your AV protection - and its free...!!!
     
     Don't forget to check out their user forums - a great source of help and advice.
172. 
     landfish

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 10, 2006)

     the best free AV app out there, and better than many that people pay money for.
     Take no notice of the AOL salesman below.
173. 
     siryak

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 9, 2006)

     The best free AV there is!!!!
     
     BTW to the post below "don't be scared away by the AOL tag". Pfft. Here is a quote from the Terms. I like my AV spyware free personally....
     
     "1. Information Collection... consists of personally identifiable
     information collected or received about you when you interact with the Software... about how you use the Software, as well as your responses
     to offerings and advertisements presented through the Software...
     2. Information Use... may be shared with affiliates of AOL...
     3. Technical Information... gathered or received when you use the Software... the type of browser you are using (e.g., Netscape,
     Internet Explorer), the type of operating system you are using, domain name of your Internet service provider... information relating to computer errors ... without notice to you ... your Software configuration settings may be included..."
174. 
     tbaster

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 9, 2006)

     If it's not the very best, it's way up there. The P2P protection has saved me from countless viruses.
     
     The only really irritating thing for me is that when it automatically checks downloads it seizes the cpu, the computer is essentially frozen while it's running the check. Never found a way to change the task priority for that.
175. 
     bassrck4

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 9, 2006)

     BEST
176. 
     bbplayer

     Reviewing 4.7.871 (Aug 9, 2006)

     Free, thats about it. In the AV world, you get what you pay for. This AV will detect about 10% less viruses than the best paid AVs. 10% is a huge number given the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of viruses in the wild. Out of 300,000 viruses, it will miss 30,000 viruses.
     
     http://www.av-comparatives.org/
     
     Check it out for yourself.
     
     Also, AOL is offering a FREE AV that is built with the Kaspersky antivirus engine. THAT is the best free AV. Dont be scared away by the AOL tag.
177. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 8, 2006)

     Great AV Program. Only one other AV available that can compete with this, and it's not free, so I stick with this.
178. 
     juhani

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     Wow, I'm amazed, tried this like one year ago before. Now it's much better, great.
179. 
     gate1975mlm

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     The best gets better!
180. 
     Vimes

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     Great product that works well with a good forum that provides knowledgeable support.
     
     Superb.
181. 
     Betachecker

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     This AV is geting better and better. 5+
182. 
     keir

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     Auto-updater now run with normal priority (used to be high priority) - nice! I love avast, but it was annoying how my PC (I only have 256MB RAM) would slow right down for minutes with no explaination - ending in the explaination 'virus database has been updated' - weird though, as if I updated manually it only took seconds. Avast just keeps getting better!
183. 
     Banquo

     Reviewing 4.7.869 (Aug 7, 2006)

     I agree the skins are ugly, so I don't use them. I wouldn't use them anyway because an antivirus program having skins is almost as ridiculous as giving it a lower rating because of how they look. They're optional, so they should not count in the rating. Getting back to Avast this is the best free antivirus utility I have found. I used to use AVG until I found out that it misses tons of stuff.
184. 
     Nikkie

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (Jul 15, 2006)

     Great free scanner.
     
     How can it be ugly if it has skins ?
     
     http://www.avast.com/eng/skins.html
185. 
     McAleck

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (Jun 28, 2006)

     ugly as hell. can't be five.
186. 
     Xonotic

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (Jun 8, 2006)

     One of the 2 best free antivirusses! (The 2 are: Avira and Avast!). Altough AVG has a good reputation .. the virus-tests weren't that good...
     The Virus Test Scores:
     AVG 3.2 / 10
     Avast! 8.7 / 10
     Avira 8.6 / 10
     ClamWin 7.1 / 10
     
     So Avast! Home has been updated not to slow down your computer performance. It's protection is also updated in the newest version and is 5 times as safe as the previous version.
187. 
     landfish

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (Jun 2, 2006)

     unless it's been fixed this link points to the previous version, it may have been fixed by now but just check the version number after you install, or just go to Avast web site and get it there.
     Aside from that very good AV program at an even better price.
188. 
     sQin

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (Jun 1, 2006)

     it's not the top antivirus. for average internet surfer it may be a good solution.. yes, its light on ram, but ANTIVIRUS job is to protect your computer, speed and lightness go to 2nd place. Avast's detection is still about 90% or less.
     
     Avira Antivir really shows the progress these days, its really free and efficient antivirus
189. 
     slimy

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Probably the best free av around. Better than norton/mcafee/panda and all the jazz. A great piece of software to put on the parentals computer ;)
190. 
     gate1975mlm

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     One of the top Anti Virus programs.
     
     And its getting better all the time.
191. 
     siryak

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Great program! I used AVG for a while and then I switched to Avast and found a keylogger that AVG had missed right off the bat.
192. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Great antivirus software. I don't understand why so many people cry about having to re-register once a year. Fortunately for me I got my key before they started doing that, and it's good forever.
193. 
     Viajante

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Yes it´s right more than free i don´t really know what else can be.
     And we can play with real things as well, i guess first the product has to be good, that´s the more important thing here and avast is really good, but the eyes eat as well, and in this case you can make avast look the way you want it, so the skins are welcome, at least for me.
194. 
     Soozy

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Curious how Joco thinks they can reduce the price of something that is already free?
195. 
     Joco

     Reviewing 4.7.844 (May 31, 2006)

     Agreed with alexweber15. Silly and useless skins. Fortunately there is an option to use default standard interface. Avast team: please remove them and as you don't need to maintain this useless feature, may be you can lower the price to make the product even more attarctive. If I had to choose between two equivalent products (same price, same performance), I'll go with the one having no skin. May be it's not rational but the skins give the impression of kid toys and amateurism for this kind of product.
196. 
     Viajante

     Reviewing 4.7.827 (May 25, 2006)

     Yes it´s pretty and yes it´s really good, is fast, doens´t eat many ressources and has a lot of features that other free products doesn´t have like POP3 scan.
     Can stop a very good quantity of virus, worms and spyware.
     I have use it for about 5 years and till now no infection, so i can say that it´s really a good product.
197. 
     alexweber15

     Reviewing 4.7.827 (May 25, 2006)

     maybe this has gotten better recently but according to www.av-comparatives.org and many other sites its just not as good as AntiVir for example. also, why the bloated interface??? if the program does its job you should barely need to open the interface and there is no need for silly stuff like skins.
     overall not a bad program but not the best like everyone says on here. maybe they like it cause its pretty.
198. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.7.827 (May 24, 2006)

     Best of the free anti virus programs. Better than almost all the non free ones even.
199. 
     darry1966

     Reviewing 4.7.826 (May 8, 2006)

     An excellent product which has improved, I use it with Safety.net and system is going great.
     
     Not hard to setup, a lot of features for a freebee.
     
     I use Bitdefender freeware with as a backup scanner which doesn't conflict with it allowing one to have a good Antivirus arsenal.
     
     Heaps better than AVG which misses trojans.
200. 
     ecarlson

     Reviewing 4.7.826 (Apr 28, 2006)

     I ran the built-in update, and now have v4.7.827.
     
     I installed Avast! a while back to replace Symantec Anti-Virus Enterprise Edition, since Symantec was taking a small performance hit on my already slow (but still perfectly working) home computer (1.3 Ghz P-III, 512.Meg RAM, Win2K, dual monitors - LCD + CRT), and the computer is better performing with Avast, and I still haven't been infected.
     
     No problems with Symantec AV-EE at work on my more modern computer (3.0 Ghz P-4, 1.Gig RAM, WinXP Pro, dual monitors - both LCD).
     
     - Eric, http://www.InvisibleRobot.com/
201. 
     sQin

     Reviewing 4.7.826 (Apr 28, 2006)

     fast, light, not bad protection
202. 
     mfarmilo

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 20, 2006)

     Extremely good antivirus. I'm another one who has converted many home users to this program. It's fast (greased lightning compared with Norton), and I too have often had it find viruses already present on a supposedly clean system (again, even moving from Norton).
203. 
     burfadel

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 20, 2006)

     This is an excellent antivirus programme, I don't know how people could knock its effectiveness unless they're form a competing company! The only complaint I have is the interface, but few people actually use interfaces these days and rely on the resident shields, and Avast! has one of the best resident shields around. This is from both personal experience, and as well of course with the acclaimations that they have received with their success rates.
     
     Much better that AVG, or Antivir for free use (unless you find the interface confusing if you use it)! lol
     
     AND ITS FAST, the resident scanner is fast and does not compromise on catching the viruses out!
204. 
     bbplayer

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 20, 2006)

     One of the, if not THE slowest virus scanners on the market. Very limited protection (as expected from something that is free). Also, not a huge fan of the bloated interface trying so hard to be winamp, but falling so short.
     
     AntiVIR would be the better solution for those who dont feel the need to pay for anti-virus software.
     
     Use this software if you dont value your data, because you WILL get hit... just a matter of time.
205. 
     Zankur

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 20, 2006)

     its quite amazing that avast keeps the highest standard of protection and ease of use,for free...
     But,free,has never made me judje a product better or worse....
     Because what matters is quality...and for sure avast is right up there with the best....
206. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     Great AV program. One of only two that I would be willing to pay money for, but since it's free I don't have to. The other good one is Computer Associates eTrust. They're both awesome, I choose this one cause it's free.
     
     AVG is not better than this, I have switched numerous AVG users to this, and it found lots of stuff on their systems that AVG couldn't catch. Same thing goes for Norton and McAfee.
207. 
     eclipsingdivinity

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     Always enjoyed Avast, It's got a variety of features though some of them I hardly understood. What's the point of having all those scanners, when one resident scanner could do most of the job? Well at least it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that it can cover a broad range of security breaches, such as a small network intrusion prevention guard which detects attempts to access your PC, and a web scanner which scans your browser cache for exploits through your browser. Automatic updates are done very well and incremented to the point where you don't notice them installing.
     
     Though I dislike the default interface, and I would dock a point for that, but you can turn it off and use the simple interface it comes with, or just use a decent skin. I would also like to complain about its resource usage, but that's been chopped quite a bit since 4.6. So with Avast running leaner than before, yet it keeps the same features you enjoy and for the price...It's a perfect 5 in my book which is hard to accomplish. Sure, it doesn't have out of this world detection rates, but then again the biggest virus stopper is yourself, and Avast makes a great buffer if you should ever make a mistake.
     
     If they ever get around to fixing the GUI, i'd give it a 10 out of 5 :-D
208. 
     lil2short2see

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     Antivirus-wise is okay. Just the interface is quite corny. Sometimes, AVG can catch more viruses. I would use AVG.
209. 
     hurzx

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     Nothing to add. My rating to offset Imright.
210. 
     tp

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     the best freeware virus protection.
211. 
     Jordanr05

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     Unbelievable piece of software for free! I've been using Avast for the last 2 years and it just keeps getting better.
     
     imright - I can't believe you gave Avast a 3 because you're too damn lazy to fill out a 2 minute reg form once a year. Give me a break.
     
     If you don't want to pay for Anti-Virus - this is the one to use.
212. 
     egg83

     Reviewing 4.7.817 (Apr 19, 2006)

     imright:
     Yeah, it's a shame to register yearly, so go ahead and pay Norton or McAfee yearly to use their product.
213. 
     imright

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Mar 25, 2006)

     Avast offers lots of features to be tuned by users but that yearly registration really disappoint me. Its free but at a "cost" of you must register once a year. Its like free software but with a little "condition".
214. 
     nefarious1

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Mar 14, 2006)

     avast! is a good anti-virus solution, but the inclusion of skins support, even if they can be disabled, is a joke.
     
     Main reason I give a 3 is because avast! freezes on my system, for stupid reasons such as update attempt timeouts.
     
     There is also no way to have the HTTP scanner check archives. So if malware is in so much as a one-layer ZIP archive, it'll let you download it. If the same file is an EXE, it will catch it. That this isn't even an option is lame.
     
     You also can't exclude applications from the HTTP scanner.
215. 
     bokhylla

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Mar 6, 2006)

     Avast! Home is amazingly efficient.I think it is as effective as those antivirus software you have to pay for, if not even more effective! A lot of different skins to choose from. Not as dull as other antivirus software. It is free! It is the best! Björn Lundahl, Gothenburg, Sweden
216. 
     Jimmy_Tsatsos

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Mar 1, 2006)

     Just the best antivirus!!!
217. 
     brotherS

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Feb 27, 2006)

     After having used commercial programs for quite some time I'm now back to avast! Wow, it did *really* improve over time! So far I'm very happy with it.
218. 
     Shimano

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Feb 8, 2006)

     I have used avast for about a year now. I love it. Its only good if you have a good amount of system resources. Because its allways scanning. If you are running a lower end machine I would go with AVG. But if not Avast is the best.
219. 
     Somnambulator

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Feb 4, 2006)

     experienced in both current avast! and norton builds and avast! can compete with the big dog. if you're looking for a good AV program, avast! is in every way as good as norton av, only it's free.
     
     free download + free updates = win
     
     the virus DB is updated at least once a week, but usually more. the program itself is under active development. it was among the 1st x64-compatible AVs on the net, months ahead of Norton, and is probably lighter on resources as well.
     
     having used avast! for over 2 years and with extensive Norton AV experience, avast! deserves a look. it is my Av of choice over norton, and if you have a current norton subscription, avast! would be perfect for when it runs out. i install it on every PC i maintain, service, and tweak, and it's definitely a 'set and forget' application.
220. 
     maddevon2222

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Feb 4, 2006)

     This is definitly the BEST antivirus software I have ever seen. It's very easy to use and scans without a problem. I also like the pause feature on it, now whenever I wan't to I can pause it to do something else and then resume the scann afterwords. It is THE BEST SOFTWARE EVER!
221. 
     Madlew

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 31, 2006)

     I agree with just about every one here that this is a great program. I used to use AVG, but a friend told me to try out Avast! about a year ago. He was right bye,bye AVG.
222. 
     ballyhairs

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 30, 2006)

     One of my favorite softwares.
     Kaspersky is better when it comes to detection but Avast is more stable.
223. 
     egg83

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 30, 2006)

     I have tried them all, from AVG to Sophos. For the price, the features of this great product cannot be beat. Has spotted viruses for me reliably for over 2 years now, have had no problems at all. Cannot recommend this product highly enough. A must have for those who want a free anti-virus solution without all the hassles.
224. 
     Don Juan

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 30, 2006)

     benZin: "It's NOT a Anti-Virus."
     
     What? It is an antivirus, and I'd have to say it takes number one or two out of every AV product available, free or not. McAfee and Norton sure can't compete with this product. The only antivirus I've used that can give Avast a run for it's money (not sure if that saying even works since Avast is free) is Computer Associates ezAntivirus. But I switched to this cause it's every bit as a good, and I don't have to pay a yearly subscription fee. I have saved dozens of friend's computers by removing McAfee and Norton from their systems and installing this.
225. 
     mfarmilo

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 30, 2006)

     I highly recommend this program. Extremely good at spotting nasties. I've often removed the infamous Norton, then installed this to find the machine was already infested. Plus most machines with this will subjectively appear to be at least twice as fast as the same machine with Norton.
     
     Regarding the comment 'this is NOT an Antivirus' it would be helpful if the poster would elaborate. Most intelligent people would accompany such a sweeping statement with something to back it up.
226. 
     benZin

     Reviewing 4.6.763 (Jan 30, 2006)

     It's NOT a Anti-Virus.
227. 
     Neoprimal

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Jan 18, 2006)

     This has to be THE best AV I've ever used. Spot on, all the time. No overdetections, no bacteria left behind. Works it's way in IMs and Email programs....does a VERY good job. AVG pales in comparison. Makes norton look stupid. I highly rec. it.
     To one up, actually buy the professional. Though you don't need it unless you're a demanding security person.
228. 
     ecold

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 22, 2005)

     I've been using Avast for about 2 years now, after the intial install, I've never had to install a newer version, it takes care of it's self. I haven't had any issues or outbreaks of anykind. My wife, has clicked some of those "You have a virus" windows which attempted to install the malware. Lukily, it didn't get through. What makes Avast stand out is the fact that when it detects something, it alerts you with a human voice as well as a popup. This helps distinguish it from those realistic looking trojans. I love it.
229. 
     Hall9000

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 22, 2005)

     ""Reviewer: theheff Dec 21, 2005
     Version: 4.6.744
     
     While overall this is a pretty good suite, I've had viruses slip right through Avast's protection. While it may look cool and has all these features, you still get what you pay for, at least in the antivirus market
     ""
     
     If you go to http://www.betanews.com/...ec_AntiVirus/1135184311 you will see the following news article = Critical Flaw Affects Symantec AntiVirus.
     
     The moral is that no antivirus is perfect. Even those you pay for! :P
230. 
     fair_is_fair

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     I cannot rave about Avast enough. To offer such quality software for free is outstanding.
     
     I am currently protecting three computers with Avast and I've never had a problem over a period of 2 years or more.
231. 
     tedbieri

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     For freeware this is over the TOP!!!! Excellent
232. 
     Philidor

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     A favorite feature is completely automatic updates of both the program and the database.
     
     If you're helping someone and discover that his AV expired months ago and the pc has never been scanned, this is definitely the AV to install.
     
     Good recognition of trojans, too.
233. 
     theheff

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     While overall this is a pretty good suite, I've had viruses slip right through Avast's protection. While it may look cool and has all these features, you still get what you pay for, at least in the antivirus market.
234. 
     1uk3

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     Great AV program and great protection.
     
     I used AVG Free for a very long time, tried this out and it's brilliant! 5/5.
235. 
     rickya100

     Reviewing 4.6.744 (Dec 21, 2005)

     Brilliant Antivirus, it's resident protection hasn't let anything through in the year that I've been using it. However just like when dealing with spyware I like to have a another program to scan with. Bitdefender. Not that BD has ever found anything because avast hasn't let anthing through but if you want a rock solid antivirus system, that doesn't eat up system resources then BD and avast is the combinition. 5 stars.
236. 
     Wonder_Twins_Power

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 7, 2005)

     I have been using Mcafee for the past 3 years. I think that this is the best freeware program compared to Mcafee with practically the same features and the bonus of interchangeable skins. Have had no problems with it so far, and the best feature I think is the audible red alert sound and voice when it has dected an "intrusion".
     Avast! was ugly as h-e double hockey sticks when it was first release,
     it has come a long way baby!!!
237. 
     Dolgr

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 7, 2005)

     I have found Avast to run very smooth and is very easy on system resources which is a must.
     For those of you having problems with it, did you ever stop to think that your system is the problem and not the software. I am a computer tech and keep my system very clean of fluff and have very few processes running on startup. For those of you that have 40+ processes running on startup, you are going to have problems with just about anything, especially if you don't have much RAM. Before flaming the software, make sure your system is in order.
     Obviously enough people have given this software a great rating to show that it is a solid product.
238. 
     mcm

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 6, 2005)

     I agree it does tend to work a bit fast and more reliably then AVG. But I just wished they used a better default interface, the current one many of the poeple I've recommended it to found way to confusing. Something like this skin is a lot better, but still not as user friendly as Norton Antivirus.
     http://www.avast.com/eng/maclover_os_x.html
239. 
     jsc315

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 5, 2005)

     i used avg for the longest time thinking it was the best. i went back and forth useing avast and AVG. I decided to use avast again and it works better than ever. My PC runs faster than it did with AVG.
240. 
     bleh427

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 5, 2005)

     Avast Home Edition >> Norton AV
241. 
     rafaelcage

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 5, 2005)

     Great antivirus by Czech Team!!
242. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 4, 2005)

     another great release ... i wonder what is this "mediocre" protection against malware and trojan ... prove (especially when Avast! is tracking trojans longer than 90% of all AV at market) :)
243. 
     Betachecker

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 4, 2005)

     Best AV! Never got any virus for about 3 years with Avast.
244. 
     tacc

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 4, 2005)

     Excellent, very clean software. It is very modular, configurable, and quite fast.
     Best free antivirus for windows out there.
245. 
     sQin

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 4, 2005)

     this one offers average protection for your cpu. its weak against malware and trojans
246. 
     aruprc

     Reviewing 4.6.739 (Dec 4, 2005)

     The Trojan detected in Bit Defender is sort of FP, it detects the Trojano in BD's virus pattern file and falsely gives the alarm, you can well ignore that one.
247. 
     Hall9000

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 24, 2005)

     Strange problem. Avast says that Bitdefender Free has a trojan??? I still give it a 5, anyway, because of the auto updates and that it has saveed me from having a few visuses and trojan install themselves before they got any chance to infect the computer. Almost forgot but the trojan is supposed to be Win32:Trojano-2949 [Trj].
248. 
     Brykari

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 23, 2005)

     I have over the months unsuccessfully tried to install Avast.Every time I restart after installation it loads then freezes the whole XP system. Cant even shut down my system, I have to pull the plug, reopen Windows in safe mode and uninstall Avast. I have put back my previous AV eTrust and it goes again just fine. On the good side the second time I installed about 2 months ago it worked fine for a while and then crashed again. Not for me I'm afraid!!!
     Cheers guys,
     Bryan.
249. 
     robmanic44

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 15, 2005)

     If you are going to use a freeware antivirus, this is the one. The javascript protection alone is worth the price of admission. I use F-Prot and I think it is the best, but this runs a close second.
250. 
     Betachecker

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 14, 2005)

     Best AV! Never got any virus.
251. 
     tp

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 14, 2005)

     i ditto that i have never got a virus since i started using it (about a year now)... used to use avg but it had some problems so i tried avast and never went back...
252. 
     JonathanDoe

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 14, 2005)

     I love avast! it is simply the best Anti-Virus program I have used to date after using Norton's for 4 years and CA's EZ Anti-Virus prior to that.
253. 
     gate1975mlm

     Reviewing 4.6.731 (Nov 14, 2005)

     Avast Rules!
     
     I have never ever gotten a Virus since using Avast!
254. 
     Inu-Ya

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Nov 5, 2005)

     AVG and AVir down the hill. Avast pushes it's limits and breaks through a brick wall. Avast has Skins and a nice user interface. very friendly and great Update reminder. Scans are great and scans through out the system somewhat fast. lots of great features and Improvements.
255. 
     greyowl750

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Sep 6, 2005)

     I've used Avast for 3 yrs now and NOTHING comes close to this application..i give it to my customers instead of selling them Norton!!..not good for business but they all love it.You cant miss a half page warning and a siren alert and a voice telling you about a virus you have encountered. Run a scan while you watch tv and you still hear about any virus you may have. Download it and run it once...it does not matter what your running now. Avast will find a missed virus. I found 168 examples in a norton equipped machine 1 week ago. GO AVAST!!
256. 
     ecjs

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Aug 30, 2005)

     Mouais.
257. 
     compy

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Jul 31, 2005)

     I used to use AVG, and then my AVG crashed. I was so mad, I tried avast. NO matter how hard I try, It always detects when i use the eicar test file and others. I will use this from now on. As a matter of a fact,The free edition struck me with awe, but professional, well let's just say professional is the best anti virus scanner i've ever used
258. 
     bokhylla

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Jul 26, 2005)

     This program has won many awards!! It has a very good reputation. I think it is fantastic that such a program as this is free! Quality is free!! The layout is nice also. It isn´t dull. Quality and good looks can go hand in hand.
     Björn Lundahl, Göteborg, Sweden
259. 
     ModderXManiac

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Jul 11, 2005)

     This is the best FREE antivirus app on the 'net.
     
     It has the best resident scanner I have EVER seen. It's resident/real-time scanner is INCREDIBLY light on resources, even on one of my 233 mhz notebooks, never goes above 2%.
     
     It runs a fairy large array of services; update, emailscan, p2p scan. I turn off the auto update since it actually tends to hog resources for the short time it runs, so I cancel it by running services.msc.
     
     The gui is a bit bloated, but can be easily fixed by turning off the skins.
     
     Has a very large virus database, and updates are very fast.
     
     Norton Antivirus is crap, it costs too much, has a very small imunization database, and is bloatware. None of these apply to avast!
     
     The updates, much needed. Tends to start up faster now.
     
     Aside from the bloated gui, this is perfect.
260. 
     jsc315

     Reviewing 4.6.691 (Jul 11, 2005)

     Its a great antivirus program but whenever it automaticly updates it slows my PC down and doesn't tell me it's doing anything till its finished updating or installed. Sometimes im doing something and it will start updating itself without warning. Other than that its a great program.
261. 
     rf_three

     Reviewing 4.6.665 (Jun 20, 2005)

     I've tried several AVs in the past but I've finally come to the conclusion that this is where it's at. I've been using avast for about a year and I can confidently recommend it and recognize it as the best free AV out there. It's just made things so convenient and simple, the way it should be, and it does the job reliably. Here's what I love about avast:
     
     1) Very light on resources- this is VERY important to me.. no bloatware
     
     2) Automatic updating
     
     3) Frequent definitions
     
     4) Superb support forum; dedicated team behind the program
     
     All in all, it's just extremely convenient for the user. It sits in my tray, automatically keeps itself up-to-date, and keeps my system safe for free. It might not be the most powerful or fast AV out there, but bottom-line: if you're an average user looking for a free, no-hassle antivirus, this is the program for you.
262. 
     DiGiTaLFX

     Reviewing 4.6.665 (Jun 11, 2005)

     After my McAfee expired on my main computer I was a bit juttery about moving over to AVG which I've got on the rest of my computers. Yes it does work, but the interface is a bit clunky, and I know others who've had problems with it. So after a long hunt I thought I'd give avast! a go. And I'm so happy I did. This is definatly the best scanner I've used. So much functionality in a free version. its amazing. And all the tests seem to rate this slightly above AVG for what it finds. I'm not going back I tell you! Also the skins can be turned off so it doesn't look silly/take resources which was something putting me off from the screen shots.
263. 
     mdsteven

     Reviewing 4.6.665 (May 24, 2005)

     This is the ONLY virus scanner currently available for the Windows 64-bit XP OS that i am running. It was easy to install and run, time will tell if it works well in the 64-bit environment.
264. 
     dangermaus

     Reviewing 4.6.665 (May 23, 2005)

     I have been using this for months. It updates automatically and runs in the background. On par with many, many other AV programs. Besides, you don't need to crack it, it's free for home use!
265. 
     Nikkie

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (May 3, 2005)

     it didnt detect as much as zonealarms scanner did and it doesnt fix the problems ..
266. 
     malcolmsuperstar

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 22, 2005)

     really great anti-virus program in par to AVG 7.
     
     find in (Kazaa lite resurected version 0.76f), download the Corporate keymaker, use the school/institution serial that it generates to get 6 years of free updates from Avast 4.5
267. 
     Nikkita

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 22, 2005)

     One of the best antivirus software around. It seems to be quite reliable with its regular automatic online updates of virus definitions (sometimes twice a day). I switched to Avast from Norton which took more of my computer resources than this program. Avast has very unusual but convenient interface. I have checked this app with several testing tools and it has passed all the exams. I have already been using Avast during several months and the only negative remark I can make is that scanning of my HDD (20 GB on one partition) takes quite time.
268. 
     wagner reatto

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     high quality software, that keeps maintaining my computer, with no performance penalty, without virus infection for the time i use it. concerning skins, just disable them, as i do. i don't like skins too, but many users enjoy this feature.
269. 
     robmanic44

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     If you're going to go with a free virus scanner, this is the one. As for the skins, there are those of us who care about aesthetics. This beats the hell out of a lot of scanners you pay for through the nose.
270. 
     kanenas

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     i am using it on one desktop pc's for over a year and it is excellent. It even identified 2 virus that mcafee failed. I am thinking of switching my laptop from mcafee to avast
     viva la avast!!!
271. 
     FailedCRC

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     probably the same point to skinning an OS UI. None.
272. 
     ch0jin

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     What is the point about skinning a virusscanner? that point seams to me very unprofessional. for things like a virus scanner i want a clean understandable interface.
273. 
     cltx99

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 21, 2005)

     I've been using Avast for over a year and love it. I particularly like the automatic updates. I have no reason to switch to another program.
274. 
     wjrandon

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     Easy to use, frequent updates and best of all a free version is available to the public. Love live avast!
275. 
     ComradeF

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     I've heard good things about both AVG and avast!. About a month ago, AVG caught something... and I don't mean it found it, I mean it CAUGHT it. So did my shell32.dll. I'm scanning with avast! right now and it's already picked up a few small things that AVG didn't. Plus, this has many more features. Beats the snot out of Norton, too. I think I've found my new antiviral solution!
276. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     ANother great release ... Person under me was probably lazy to notice there is option to disable skins completely and resource hog? funny his AV uses by my experience more working ram than Avast! ...
277. 
     Herb.alone

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     Looking at the other reviews, it seems like I've downloaded a different program.
     I found it slow and unresponsive, as well as using a lot of resources.
     As for the GUI, a bit too much.
     The other skins where pretty weird as well.
     I'll stick with McAfee thanks.
278. 
     pjlasl

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     show me a better AV program that protects everything this AV does, oh...did I forget to mention it needs to be free? No!? I didn't think so...sticking with AVAST!!!
279. 
     gawd21

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     The Best and will remain the best!!!
280. 
     danilloOc

     Reviewing 4.6.652 (Apr 20, 2005)

     I'm using it for almost 2 years and it's a very efficient antivirus (the better i ever used) and it's don't slow down you computer.
281. 
     ozkan

     Reviewing 4.6.623 (Mar 16, 2005)

     Perfect for home use. Works, looks great.
     Thanks to authors.
282. 
     dougau

     Reviewing 4.6.623 (Mar 14, 2005)

     I’ve been using Avast free edition AV since December when I found out that Symantec had jacked up the one year subscription renewal price for Antivirus 2004 to $40.00.
     
     Avast seems to use less resources than Antivirus while providing protection for email, IM, and P2P in addition to regular anti virus protection and is a much better product. I can never see myself using another Symantec product again, Avast is all any home user should ever need.
283. 
     christoofar

     Reviewing 4.6.623 (Mar 14, 2005)

     Last release slowed down NTTP tremendously, had to disable it. But this A/V app has been the best, low system resource using app I've ever used. Thanks to Avast for providing freeware virus protection for the masses
284. 
     ppinheiro

     Reviewing 4.6.623 (Mar 13, 2005)

     I tried a lot of anti virus free and shareware, For me this is the Best Anti-virus around, Fast solid and accurate
285. 
     eeree

     Reviewing 4.6.603 (Feb 20, 2005)

     The best AV proram I've ever seen. I'm using it since previous year and I think it is better and better every new release.
286. 
     ker7099

     Reviewing 4.6.603 (Feb 20, 2005)

     i have been using this for a few years now and have never had a problem with it. it only gets better with each update. i feel just as protected if not more than when i used the bloated mcafee and norton antivirus and this is totally free. they keep the software updated constantly and the def files are always updated almost daily it seems like. better yet it updates itself automatically and install the updates by itself without my intervention. i always recommend this software to everyone i know when they need a av product. it's great.
287. 
     Betachecker

     Reviewing 4.6.603 (Feb 19, 2005)

     The best free AV ever
288. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.6.603 (Feb 19, 2005)

     I stand behind my previous comments. This is TOP rated product. Of course PRO version is even better but as free Avast is unbeatable now :)
289. 
     InSuboRdiNaTioN

     Reviewing 4.6.603 (Feb 19, 2005)

     Excellent piece of software. My previous gripe was it's memory usage, but now in version 4.6.603 it uses only half the memory!
290. 
     SysG0d

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Feb 11, 2005)

     OK, I am using Avast! for about 1,5 years now and I didn't have any problems with it. But WHY do I like this piece of software. Ok here goes
     
     MY PRO's
     --------
     
     - Avast! Home is 100% free,..you can obtain the licence key for FREE and the only thing you have to do is copy/paste it into the programs "licence box" and you are up and running for a year!
     
     - Avast features everything you need in an AV system. It supports more chatclients then NAV2005 and supports P2P downloadprograms.
     
     - Avast has the best support there is! An online webforum where users can test the newest BETA versions before it get released! (at the time I wrote this, version 4.6 is heavily tested by forumusers!) Questions/remarks/problems can be answered online!
     
     - Avast is a multi-language program!
     
     - Avast updates frequently fully automatic!
     
     - Avast! has a Screensaver-Anti-Virus Scanner!!! (my favorite feature)
     
     - Avast is ready for the 64-bit platforms!
     
     MY CON's
     --------
     Avast is not that XP-styled like panda antivirus or McAfee,..so it might not be that goodlookin like some like!
     
     If you can live with my only con! Yes sir, Avast! is the AV underdog!!
291. 
     pjlasl

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Feb 3, 2005)

     Excellent program. For being a free program, you get really good protection ranging from Standard and Email to P2P, Networking, and even Messaging...See ya later McAfee!!
292. 
     drumul

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Jan 25, 2005)

     I read the reviews and although I had NOD32, I installed avast! Home as well. Well, just at the end of the installation it locked my XP PC. I couldn't even end task, I had to shut power off.
     I booted again and it worked fine until 3 days later when automatic virus definition update was performed as per the popup message. It locked my PC again. Nothing would work. Shut PC off again and back on. I wanted to uninstall, it wouldn't do that either. Shut PC off and then I successfully uninstalled. I wouldn't dare install avast! again. I don't think it had anything to do with the fact that I had NOD32 installed because under avast! Pro, reviewer Dwarden on Sep 12, 2003 with Version 4.1.259 says "Excelent Antivirus, with NOD32 this is TOP product ...!" I really wonder !
293. 
     tommyb709

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Jan 9, 2005)

     It is only a 58 day demo if you don't register. They require you to register every 14 months, but home edition is free. So far I have received no spam from registering.
     I have installed avast, avg, norton, and mcafee on client computers. So far, avast seems to offer the greatest protection against viruses. I have noticed a slight performance hit on WAN networks, compared to avg, but not nearly so bad as norton.
     I highly recommend
294. 
     tom3311

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Jan 9, 2005)

     Avast works...but this is NOT "freeware" but a 58-day demo. On the performance... It does not hold a candle to AVG v7 Free, which has a more logical interface, daily updates of its virus database, and works. I think the Avast interface is trying to be too cool...antivirus software doesn't need to look "skinned"...it just needs to do the job in the background. Plus it bugs me, BIG TIME, when a company offers something as "freeware" when it's really a limited demo version, whether that be time or functional limitations.
295. 
     wagner reatto

     Reviewing 4.5.561 (Jan 8, 2005)

     this software is one of the best antivirus i had. you see no performance penalty and its engine is precise and updated. solid and serious software.
296. 
     fredfreud

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 29, 2004)

     I use Norton Corporate at work, Norton & Avast at home. Avast is what I recommend to folks who let their Norton subscriptions lapse and come to me with broken pcs. If I rebuild, they get an image of their drive, a lecture from me about the hazards of the Internet, and lastly, a pointer to the Avast download site if they can't promise me they'll keep paying that Norton update fee. Rates close to a "5" in my book.
297. 
     asellus

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 5, 2004)

     Currently using this since April, and think it was very good. Free too. Wonder whether AVG takes less resources than avast.
298. 
     uNdisputed

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 4, 2004)

     Highly recomended..you won`t regret you installed it.. me being a registered user od norton av..after trying avast. for more than 7 month`s i guess..never needed to go back to the paid version of norton..this free version`s better and great
     ty`s to awil avast for the good job
299. 
     sirhardi

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 3, 2004)

     I would give it a 5 IF the user friendliness could get simplified and once in XP64 the explorer integration is given.
     I just did a client virus recovery...Norton caught 469 items...than i ran Stinger and avast sure enough, caught more while stinger was hitting files.....Very good , I am definetly no longer suggesting norton either........ui did due to simple user mode but norton is seriously lacking in detection
300. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 3, 2004)

     Top performer between solid antiviruses ...
301. 
     wagner reatto

     Reviewing 4.5.549 (Dec 3, 2004)

     very good software!
302. 
     ker7099

     Reviewing 4.5.546 (Dec 2, 2004)

     i have been using avast since it's 3.x days and it has always been a great program that just keeps getting better. the best part about it is that it is free.
303. 
     errnot?

     Reviewing 4.5.546 (Dec 1, 2004)

     I have been using Avast personal version through all of it's carnations for the last one and a half years. It is a very intelligently designed antivirus that has never let me down. Virus detection has been 100% on XP. I could not wish for more. Because it is free makes it the best deal on the web!
304. 
     MurrayH

     Reviewing 4.5.546 (Nov 30, 2004)

     I've been using Avast for about a year now after trying a number of commercial and free tools. It leaves them all for dead by such a long way - the others don't even rate. Great job Avast!!
305. 
     allsiante

     Reviewing 4.5.546 (Nov 30, 2004)

     Great ! Great ! Oh, and yes, Great ! :)
306. 
     gawd21

     Reviewing 4.5.546 (Nov 30, 2004)

     Have been using it for about 7 months now and if the best! I don't get viruses and it doesn't kill my computers like those others... M....., N.....
     I like the new look as well. A little more stylesh than the past.
307. 
     Cionno

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     Using avast is a great experience it simply rocks! i've said goodbye to norton AV to test this one and i never went back... And i'ts FREE for personal use continuously updated... so thank you to developers... better than this there's only NOD32 (but take a look at the price)
     so 5 stars !!!
308. 
     fair_is_fair

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     I've been an Avast user for a long time now. The program is constantly upgraded. Virus definition updates arrive automatically and PROMPTLY. It's been rock solid and, most importantly, I have never suffered an infection. I cannot say enough good things about Avast.
309. 
     VikingBlade

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     Of the free AVs, avast! is certainly the strongest. With the best detection out of Antivir, and AVG.
310. 
     Spupuz

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     petiot have you tried it? for me it rocks.. by the way if you do not like the skin you can change with one more professional but the av engine works very well.
311. 
     petiot

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     I dont want to appear excessive, but to me, avast is certainly the worst antivirus i have ever tried. Unprofessional, unintuitive, clumsy, bloated with fancy graphics and useless functions. and it sucks up tons of memory (like all antiviruses, but here it is far too much).
     
     the fancy skins (ugly) and "what a flash" namings for the software functions, are just the proof that this is developped to impress visually rather than functionnaly. It didnt stay long enough on my machine for me to appreciate its efficiency. rating: -1
312. 
     DarthVeda

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 30, 2004)

     Best Free Antivirus out there.
     
     The license key can be obtained freely and should be activated with in 60 days i think.
313. 
     skonrad

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 29, 2004)

     Very good freeware antivirus program. I believe the resource usage has actually decreased in the new versions (less memory, does anybody agree?).
     
     It asks for a license key which you get for free when you register with a valid email.
     
     Oh, and best call ever by the developers: They finally provide an unskinned version so you don't necessarily need a skin. This is good, because the skin tended to disappear before and the main program would refuse to start then!
314. 
     Betachecker

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 29, 2004)

     In my opinion this is best freeware AntiVirus
315. 
     sirhardi

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 29, 2004)

     Cool, finally a 64bit runner..4 for a try at 64
     AMD 64 3200 1 gig ram Build 1218
     BTW Betanews, .GREAT job, i was able to edit my post now
     
     Uhmmmmmmm,.it says Freeware but asks for a License key.....someone fill me in here please.i se no link here posted to request one.
316. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.5.542 (Nov 29, 2004)

     Fast, simple, stable, reliable and cheap (ehm free lol :)
     That's Avast :)
     P.S. regarding home key, register there , all you need is valid email: http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG
317. 
     bello

     Reviewing 4.5.523 (Nov 16, 2004)

     ooh guys!
     i tried a lot of AV softs including Norton and Kasperski. they were so heavy and ate so many PC resources.once Kasperski even made my PC crash deleating Windows XP update function files as "trojan". and then i decided to try something new and met Avast home edition the very first time . it was most smart and soft then previous AV "monsters" and did its job very well. later i changed Avast home edition to pro version. i've been using this excellent AV soft for 1,5 year now.
     i strongly recommend to everyone to try it ! you won't regret !
     so go for Avast- best AV soft!
318. 
     marcos_cu

     Reviewing 4.5.523 (Nov 16, 2004)

     avast is as good as it gets in terms of free AV. In terms of detection rate (at the end of the day, that's what matters most to me), I've seen it outperforming both AVG and Anti-Vir, making if the default AV for my PCs.
319. 
     roj

     Reviewing 4.5.523 (Nov 15, 2004)

     I did a quickie eval on paper of the freeware AV products out there. That left me with two, Avast! and AVG. I then proceeded to test those at work in a sandboxed virus-infested environment (I'm in IT Security). Both acquitted themselves well well but Avast! has a more extensive feature set, offering greater protection overall. The icing on the cake was the excellent support (AVG support is non-existant for their freeware product) and the excellent user community. Add to that regular updates of both code and definitions and you have a winner.
     
     I am slowly (with each successive rebuild) replacing all the invasive Symantec stuff on my home network with the lightweight and efficient Avast! 4 Home (there are six machines).
320. 
     uNdisputed

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     being a registered user of norton AV , i tried Avast, and since last 6 month`s plus , avast has proved itself as one of the best.
     highly recomended . i`m sure once you use it you`ll stick to it...got it on 2 pc`s..a 3,20 pent 4 and a 700mhz celeron...suprising it did`nt slow the 700 mhz celeron..updates are fast.. wish they also had a avast fire wall ...lol.. ty`s awil software you`ve done a great job...
321. 
     danilloOc

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     This is the best AV i used, avast! works just fine and don't slow down my PC :)
322. 
     bgdjr

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     I have been using the pro and home versions and I must say this is definately one of the best AVs I have used. I have recommended it to my friends, family and coworkers.
323. 
     ragejed

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     I work for a computer company repairing peoples PCs at their homes. I must say, this is the best anti-virus out there! I recommend it to every client! Down with Norton! Down with McAfee
324. 
     ppinheiro

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     This is the very best Anti Virus Solution For windows based Boxes. Keep your pc away from nasty virus and besides...Well its FREE!
325. 
     prandal

     Reviewing 4.5.518 (Nov 14, 2004)

     This is one of the best "free for use at home" antivirus programs. Timely pattern updates, unlike some of the big names who should know better. This version does away with the need to configure your email program (Outlook Express/ Thunderbird / Edora / Pegasus Mail) and in so doing might break existing setups which might suddenly find they can't send or receive mails. The solution is to reconfigure them to talk direct to your ISP's POP and SMTP severs (Avast now intercepts this and scans transparently)
326. 
     Coolmax

     Reviewing 4.1.501 (Nov 2, 2004)

     I'm finding this program very useful.
     It uses less system resources than nortons.
     
     It is 100% free
     This software is a must have.
327. 
     rhen

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Sep 8, 2004)

     The best free anti-virus software, I've ever see. It's better then several other with unbeatable price tag. I've use it 1 year but I've no problem with. I'ts freindly with memory and CPU. I suggest to use this.
328. 
     CPC464

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Aug 8, 2004)

     Of all the FREE Antivirus Programs I have tried this has to be the BEST
     
     Some Great touches to this Like the talking voice
     also a nice interface that is Skinnable.
     
     More Companies should take note of this product
     
     Gets my Vote
329. 
     drphrozen

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jul 23, 2004)

     I gave this one five stars, because it's free and it does the job.. but still i would prefer Trend Micro if i had the money, but unfortunaliy i don't! I would also like to see avast become more simple, and less skinned than it is now.. but i would still use avast as long as it is free, gives me realtime protection and no adware
330. 
     fair_is_fair

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jul 3, 2004)

     What can I say? I've never gotten an infection since using Avast. I was wiped out twice while using N*rton. And its even free. Can it get any better?
331. 
     pjb

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     Excellent programme. Easy to instal and configure. Nice to see the definitions are updated frequently to keep protection high.
332. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     Simple, Easy, Free, Good support and qualite AntiVirus functionality. What else customer can want for unbeatable price tag :)
333. 
     christoofar

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     Great freeware a/v app. Low resource drain, updates frequently, and seems to work well (no bugs in over a year) Many thanks to the developers of this program. I can't believe the difference in how my system runs now versus when I used to use Norton.
334. 
     maxxpilot

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     I have been using Avast! for about a year now and have had no issues or problems at all with the software. I can only give my thanks and appreciation to the developers. If you havn't given it a try, I would suggest dumping your overpriced Norton for this product and spend your money on something else.
335. 
     zorty

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     quite a good program! I'm running it for more than a month now and it always did its job! No crashes no false alerts - no complains at all.
     
     Unfortunately I didn't find any comparisons to other more well known av programs such as norton, mcafee etc pp.
     
     The automatic virus signature updates are really tiny. I guess these are only diff patches being merged into.
     
     The Internet Mail Scanner works excellent - and I would give it a 5 star rating if it had SSL/TLS support :\
336. 
     TDreamer

     Reviewing 4.1.418 (Jun 14, 2004)

     Been using it for a week now. BYE BYE Norton!!!!
337. 
     gkar

     Reviewing 4.1.412 (Jun 12, 2004)

     Avast would be better if they also supported 98Lite which removes Internet Explorer, Address Book, Outlook Express amongst other undesirable Win98/SE/ME things. Why must a virus program free or otherwise require Internet Explorer to run? This is why I can't use this program and is why AVG remains my choice.
338. 
     Somnambulator

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (May 3, 2004)

     excellent AV. better than the pay AV's out there. ive used em all and avast! is simply the most unobtrusive and resource friendly. updates itself behind your back, highly configurable, etc
     
     must have**
339. 
     alcvanamelsvoort

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (May 1, 2004)

     Simply the best. I have avast! installed with Windows operating system XP Professional with Service Pack 2 RC1 and it's a terrifc combination. Thank you avast! for a good programme and service.
340. 
     Mark Gillespie

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (May 1, 2004)

     Excellent free AV Scanner. Much better than AVG, slicker more intuitive interface.
     
     Well worth a look.
341. 
     patmc7

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (Apr 30, 2004)

     I had trouble when using this with YahooPops! (to read the Yahoo e-mail). It would not allow a login.
342. 
     AndyTheDude

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (Apr 30, 2004)

     Great! I've switched from AVG to this one recently. AVG has huge problems with the updating servers, which seem to be unavailable or congested most of the time.
     Also, Kerio is very good at detecting malicious code, which is what these programs are for.
     As a bonus Avast is the only program currently recognised by the new Security Center in WinXP SP2. Way to go Alvil!
343. 
     weed

     Reviewing 4.1.396 (Apr 29, 2004)

     I concur with kbyron, I could not install it on my system as I use 98Lite to remove Internet Explorer. Guess I'll stick with AVG, Moz FireBird and Phoenix Mail as they do not require IE to function.
344. 
     kbyron

     Reviewing 4.1.389 (Apr 28, 2004)

     I would like to give this a more positive review, but it refused to install without my having IE on my system, which I will not do. I prefer Mozilla for my browser. Interesting--and arrogant--how some developers subscribe to the IE cult.
345. 
     CyberInferno

     Reviewing 4.1.389 (Apr 23, 2004)

     Great antivirus program for the price. It updates just as frequently as the large corporations and is good at automatically grabbing definition updates. That was my biggest complaint with AVG. Even after modifying the url.ini, it still failed to update a lot of the time, which meant scheduling daily updates was worthless. Avast not only is good about automatically updating, but if I want to manually check it requires two clicks. My only complaint with Avast is its interface and inability to schedule automatic scans. The interface is too cutesy as some others have said. However, it has a low overhead, it's a very good scanner, and you can't beat the price!
346. 
     wagner reatto

     Reviewing 4.1.357 (Mar 12, 2004)

     it uses low resources, no damage to pc performance, updates in real-time, free...perfect! my choice to protect my pc.
347. 
     uNdisputed

     Reviewing 4.1.357 (Mar 5, 2004)

     hi all .this is a great antivirus program..i was trying out avg 6...it lack`s ...cant upgrade the info....even after trying a lot of times..
     so i tried out avast..it`s good..a must have.
     and the best part is it`s free to register it..
     try it out you`ll like the software
     regard`s
348. 
     softssa

     Reviewing 4.1.304 (Dec 5, 2003)

     This is great antivirus software. Updates every two to three days and a program update once a month. It's the best alternative for those who want a secure but cheap=0$ antivirus on their computer.
     But the fact is that the best way to keep your OS away from viruses is to surf the net with care, don't be stupid and press those g** d*** banners, use dual pop up stoppers, don't download pirated software (specially from warez sites it's literally suicid). Don't use explorer even a so called explorer add on program like avant or myIE slimbrowser, anything is better than the ordinary insecure IE
349. 
     scodan

     Reviewing 4.1.304 (Nov 29, 2003)

     Absolutely awful interface, and inconvenient to use as a result. Skins are for kids and cutesy music players, not for serious utilities.
350. 
     aws6000

     Reviewing 4.1.304 (Nov 29, 2003)

     Ganja_5000.... patching uxtheme.dll still works post SP1. I patched a mere 3 days ago.
     
     http://www.belchfire.net/article205.html
351. 
     Ganja_5000

     Reviewing 4.1.304 (Nov 29, 2003)

     jabaman42:
     
     uxtheme.dll only works for windows xp pre-sp1, if you have sp1 or older you can't use that trick, but stylexp has a feature to not use system resources, which is the same as the uxtheme.dll trick
     
     -ganj
352. 
     jabaman42

     Reviewing 4.1.304 (Nov 29, 2003)

     I used to use this program, but now i use the UXTHEME.DLL patch, does the exact same thing for free. Style XP may be better for some novice users who dont know how to replace files or move files into the theme directory however. And as for this new version's ability to change boot screens and logon screens, there are plenty of free programs out there that do the exact same thing.
353. 
     blackpages

     Reviewing 4.1.268 (Oct 7, 2003)

     Ok for email. it's free = good! but missed some common virii on infected pc, KAV detected. Realised paying for KAV once again is worth it.
354. 
     KayNine

     Reviewing 4.1.259 (Sep 16, 2003)

     With version 4.0 avast really seems to have become one of the best scanners out there. 4.1 adds great new features such as IM-scanning! At VirusBtn.com there might the failed/ok ration might be misleading, have a look at the details and you see the latest test almost completly succided. I never did have any problems with avast and only can recommend it. It detected the eicar virus witout problems, as file and also as attachment. Maybe some guys here should check their email programs configuration, avast isn't able to autoconfigure every mail client! My manually configured TheBat works great, so does autoconfigured Outlook and Outlook Express.
355. 
     Dwarden

     Reviewing 4.1.259 (Sep 12, 2003)

     Excelent Antivirus, with NOD32 this is TOP product ...
356. 
     hariskar

     Reviewing 4.0.528 (Aug 7, 2003)

     The best antivirus I have tried Norton, NOD32, Karpesky...). Great program, beautyful interface, doesn't need many resources, great support! Highly recommneded!
357. 
     wwk

     Reviewing 4.0.528 (Jul 25, 2003)

     All versions of avast! antivirus known to me undoubtedly can identify the Eicar test file (everyone can make sure of this himself - the source can be found, for example, at http://www.asw.cz/i_idt_246.html). Moreover, in the latest Virus Bulletin tests (June 2003, Windows XP) avast! from Alwil Software detected all "In the Wild" viruses during both on-demand and on-access scanning and was given VB100% award (http://www.virusbtn.com/...ives/products.xml?table).
358. 
     Scorched Earth

     Reviewing 4.0.528 (May 28, 2003)

     Avast! is a good anti-virus program, especially for free. AVG doesn't provide heuristic scanning and rarely updates and GAV wants money for real-time protection. So, that leaves Avast! as the only good choice for truly free, good virus protection.
359. 
     RedBadger

     Reviewing 4.0.528 (Apr 22, 2003)

     I've tried to like this program, but every time I've ended up uninstalling it. Last time it failed to recognize the eicar "test" virus that all scanners use to assure you that the resident scanner is active. I uninstalled it, then tried this program again a couple weeks later, only to discover this thing doesn't even scan email attachments. (despite the fact you tell it your email server names during setup) You have to actually execute the file before it will scan/detect them. So you can send all the viruses out you want in email file attachments, and it won't detect them. It also does not scan files as you download them, or after they are downloaded, it will only scan it when you execute the program. If you don't believe me, try the www.eicar.org website to download the test file all scanners use.
360. 
     virtorio

     Reviewing 4.0.183 (Mar 18, 2003)

     This program may look good, and seem to be working (in theory), but I can assure you, this software does not detect viruses (that includes the manual scan feature), which a very out of date version of Norton had no problems detecting (and repairing). Don’t waste your time with it. If you can’t afford a better anti-virus (like Norton AntiVirus) then use the AVG Free Edition. It might not look good, but it does actually work.
361. 
     MrPuddles

     Reviewing 4.0.525 (Mar 18, 2003)

     This is a great proggy, but betanews has the wrong version listed... they just released 4.0.183, but beta lists the last version with a higher version no!
362. 
     virtorio

     Reviewing 4.0.519 (Feb 15, 2003)

     This is some good anti-virus. Must better than overrated trash like Norton and McAfee.
363. 
     jungle!

     Reviewing 4.0.519 (Feb 12, 2003)

     I totally agree with Yeechie (below);
     I had no other apps active in my XP Pro with SP1, ran the installer, selected the option to not schedule the boot scan at load time. And what did it do? Exactly the same thing as it has done to the other reviewer; froze my machine, and I had to uninstall this garbage in safe mode - PLUS many registry keys all over the place. A big waste of time!
364. 
     wwk

     Reviewing 4.0.519 (Jan 17, 2003)

     I am running Windows XP Pro with SP1 and all patches. And I don't have any problems with avast! Home.
365. 
     Yeechie

     Reviewing 4.0.148 (Jan 5, 2003)

     Ok ghostman, thanks for that tip :)
366. 
     GhostMan

     Reviewing 4.0.144 (Jan 5, 2003)

     Some people think it locks up their computer after install. It is doing a scan of your computer and for some reason it doesn't say anything. Just don't click yes to the boot-time scan after install and you won't have to deal with this.
367. 
     Mr_Puddles

     Reviewing 4.0.144 (Jan 4, 2003)

     Version 4 looks like a complete re-work of the scanner. It works and is a little more user-friendly. Don't forget to register for unlimited use here:
     http://www.avast.com/regist4.htm
368. 
     Yeechie

     Reviewing 4.0.144 (Jan 4, 2003)

     I cant even get it working.
     I am running Windows XP Pro with SP1 and all patches.
     After installation of this avast! Home! software I couldn't get my system booted normally.
     When its almost done loading with the startup programs the system freezes except your mouse.
     
     I uninstalled this piece of s*** in windows safe mode.
369. 
     MrPuddles

     Reviewing 3.0 Build 499 (Oct 14, 2002)

     Works just a good (if not better) than Norton AntiVirus. Has real-time scanning for Eudora, Outlook, Outlook Express, and other email clients. Updates are frequent and are smaller downloads than AVG. This proggy has a better track record than AVG (VBulletin). If you can't afford Kaspersky Anti-Virus (the best IMHO), this is the way to go.

Discuss avast! Free Antivirus

1. Oct 15, 2009 - 6:21 PM
   Sativarg

   Might it be better to link to New beta refresh 5.0.167 as a home page for this reliece
   
   

   [Incomplete] change log:
   
   - improvements in the Explorer right-click scan
   - improvements in the localizations (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Russian and Chinese localizations should now be complete)
   - Add and Submit commands in the virus chest now working
   - fixed a few memory leaks in the GUI process
   - boot-time scan logs now in the Scan logs folder (this feature is still unfinished)
   - added controls for actions on infected files inside archives
   - fixed the Block command in the Ask dialog
   - improvements in the silent installer
   - the program is now working under Windows 2000 (SP4 or higher)